| Abstract: | This paper presents the development of a new type of pseudo-dynamic test system, in which a conventional static jack is utilized for loading. Two of the new hardware devices developed for the system are detailed: a hydraulic pump system that can adjust the rate of oil flow using an inverter motor, and a controller that controls the jack's motion with a displacement feedback signal transmitted from a digital displacement transducer. The unique advantages of the system are summarized as: larger force capacity achieved by the static jack, maximum use of hardware devices available in many existing structural testing laboratories, and flexibility for program development accomplished by separating tasks into multiple PCs. The reliability of the system is calibrated first by a pseudo-dynamic test for an SDOF system and then by a pseudo-dynamic test for a ten-storey building model having hysteretic dampers. For the latter test, substructuring techniques have been incorporated. The accuracy of the results obtained is discussed based upon the capacity of the system to control displacement and comparison with numerical results. |
