Utilizing a Mid-Size Shake Table for Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering Research and Education
Disciplines
Civil Engineering
Abstract (300 words maximum)
In structural dynamics, it is important to understand the properties of structures and their responses to controlled vibrations and simulated earthquakes. A mid-size shake table provides valuable data for both research and education. In this study, a sample single-story structure is mounted on the shake table to observe its dynamic response under various conditions. Additionally, a custom damping device, designed and fabricated using a 3D printer, is introduced to investigate damping effects in structural systems.
The main questions of this project are: How do different amounts of damping and mass added to the structure influence the collected data? How can these results be integrated into engineering education?
The sample structure is secured to the shake table and Shake Table control software is used to generate simulated earthquakes or sinewave vibrations. Accelerometer data is collected from both the shake table platform and the top of the sample structure for analysis.
To control damping, a custom damping device is designed and 3D-printed. This device introduces a variable damping mechanism by modifying the frictional interaction with the sample structure. The design allows for adjustable damping levels, enabling a controlled study of energy dissipation in dynamic systems. To adjust mass, clamps and washers are used to incrementally, adding weight to the sample structure. Finally, experimental data is exported to Excel and compared with the control data.
Through this project, a operation guide has been developed for operating the Shake Table II and conducting structural dynamic analysis. The data collected demonstrated that increasing damping reduces peak acceleration, while additional mass influences the system’s natural frequency. These findings supports structural dynamics principles, reinforcing the shake table’s effectiveness for both research and education. The sample structure, along with the custom damping device, successfully simulates structural responses, illustrating energy dissipation and resonance effects.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Civil and Environmental Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Metin Oguzmert
Utilizing a Mid-Size Shake Table for Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering Research and Education
In structural dynamics, it is important to understand the properties of structures and their responses to controlled vibrations and simulated earthquakes. A mid-size shake table provides valuable data for both research and education. In this study, a sample single-story structure is mounted on the shake table to observe its dynamic response under various conditions. Additionally, a custom damping device, designed and fabricated using a 3D printer, is introduced to investigate damping effects in structural systems.
The main questions of this project are: How do different amounts of damping and mass added to the structure influence the collected data? How can these results be integrated into engineering education?
The sample structure is secured to the shake table and Shake Table control software is used to generate simulated earthquakes or sinewave vibrations. Accelerometer data is collected from both the shake table platform and the top of the sample structure for analysis.
To control damping, a custom damping device is designed and 3D-printed. This device introduces a variable damping mechanism by modifying the frictional interaction with the sample structure. The design allows for adjustable damping levels, enabling a controlled study of energy dissipation in dynamic systems. To adjust mass, clamps and washers are used to incrementally, adding weight to the sample structure. Finally, experimental data is exported to Excel and compared with the control data.
Through this project, a operation guide has been developed for operating the Shake Table II and conducting structural dynamic analysis. The data collected demonstrated that increasing damping reduces peak acceleration, while additional mass influences the system’s natural frequency. These findings supports structural dynamics principles, reinforcing the shake table’s effectiveness for both research and education. The sample structure, along with the custom damping device, successfully simulates structural responses, illustrating energy dissipation and resonance effects.