Shaking table model test and numerical analysis of a long‐span cantilevered structure

This paper presents an earthquake‐resistance study program of a long‐span cantilevered story building. The program consists of a shaking table test study and nonlinear seismic analysis using finite element modeling technique. A 1/30 scale model of the prototype structure was designed and manufactured and then tested via the shaking table facility. Dynamic responses of the prototype structure under different earthquake excitation loadings were simulated. Dynamic properties, acceleration, and deformation responses of the scale down model under different intensity levels of earthquake were studied. The dynamic behavior, cracking pattern, and the likely governing failure mechanism of the structure were analyzed and discussed as well. The seismic responses of the prototype building were deduced and analyzed in terms of the similitude law. Furthermore, elaborate finite element models were established, and nonlinear numerical analysis of the prototype structure was conducted. The errors in the seismic response of the structure caused by structural simplification of scale down modeling are found small, and the dynamic behavior of the structure was not altered in the earthquake excitations. This test study provides a benchmark to calibrate the finite element model and a tentative guide in seismic design of such long‐span cantilevered story buildings.