Earthquake experiments at the HDR (Heissdampf Reaktor) test facility using an eccentric mass vibrator

As part of he earthquake investigations carried out by the Karlsruhe Nuclear Research Center, Project HDR, at the HDR Test Facility near Frankfurt/Main, high level shaker test were performed during June/July 1986. The purpose of these tests, supported by the German and U.S. governments was to investigate full scale structural response involving significant concrete and soil strain as well as strong indirect excitation of vessels, pipes and other mechanical equipment. The calculational efforts included predictions of the building and piping response stress analyses. Within these test series, the reactor building was brought to its ultimate loading capacity. (author)