Transportable 56-kN 200-mm displacement hydraulic shaker for seismic simulation

A large hydraulic shaker for seismic simulation is described. The shaker is 6.1 x 2.2 x 0.8 m and weighs 8800 kg. The shaker has a 56-kN force output driving a 7000 kg reaction mass, with a maximum displacement capability of 200 mm (p-p) over a frequency range from 1 to 50 Hz. The entire system, including the hydraulic power supplies, is designed to be self-contained and transportable. External support required for the system includes 110-V power for instrumentation, 64-kVA (220- or 440-V) power for the hydraulic power supplies, and water for oil cooling. The system was successfully used to excite a four-story test structure at the AEC's Nevada Test Site. A brief description of the test series is given