NEHRP Clearinghouse
- Title
- Induced Earthquake Motions in Civil Structures by Pulse Methods.
- File
- PB87181947.pdf
- Author(s)
- Safford, F. B.; Masri, S. F.
- Source
- National Science Foundation, Washington, DC., August 1984, 98 p.
- Identifying Number(s)
- AA-R-8428-5764
- Abstract
- The report evaluates the feasibility and validity of simulating seismic motions on a sizable structure by using cold gas pulse generators that duplicate the effects of strong-motion earthquakes. A test structure resembling a three-story moment resisting building frame was designed and erected. A finite-element model of the structure was developed and used to generate the system impulse and criteria response under the El Centro and San Fernando earthquakes. Previously-developed optimization techniques were then used to design suitable pulse trains for motion simulation. Two cold-gas pulse generators were mounted on the top floors of the test frame and after being connected to a suitable hydraulic system, energy storage devices, and a control microcomputer, were used to apply the optimum pulse trains. Analysis of the test results demonstrates the validity of the pulse simulation methodology and the capability of the gas pulse generators to reproduce, with sufficient accuracy, the microcomputer-commanded pulse trains. A solid propellant rocket was designed, constructed, and test fired on the test structure.
- Keywords
- Earthquake resistant structures; Seismic waves; El Centro earthquake; Finite element analysis; Buildings; Earthquake engineering; San Fernando earthquake; Pulse generators; Simulation; Computer programs; Motion; Earthquakes