Experimental study of structural response to earthquakes

This paper describes the objectives, methods, and some of the principal results obtained from experimental studies of the behaviour of structures subjected to earthquakes. A primary purpose of these investigations is to obtain detailed information of the inelastic response mechanisms in typical structural systems so that the experimentally observed performance can be compared with computer generated analytical predictions. Two experimental procedures for investigating earthquake structural response are discussed: (1) the earthquake simulator facility which subjects the base of the test structure to acceleration histories similar to those recorded in actual earthquakes, and (2) systems of hydraulic rams which impose specified displacement histories on the test components, equivalent to motions developed in structures subjected to actual quakes. (Auth.)