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Techniques for testing structures permitted to sway

Mechanisms are developed that eliminate restraints caused by vertical loading and lateral bracing as a structure sways, and tests on building frames attest their effectiveness

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Abstract

Mechanisms are described that eliminate the restraining effects of the loads and the lateral bracing on test specimens permitted to sway. One mechanism, called the gravity-load simulator, maintains a vertical orientation of load even as a structure sways. The other is a lateral-bracing mechanism which moves freely with a test structure even at large deflections, and it does not require any adjustments during a test. A gravity-load simulator and a lateral-bracing system designed for use in testing full-size building frames on the equipment itself and tests of building frames utilizing the mechanisms show very satisfactory behavior of the gravity-load simulator and the lateral-bracing system. Some actual test setups using the mechanisms are described. Tests on three-story full-size building frames (30-ft high) and a frame-buckling test are included.

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Abbreviations

d :

load height of simulator

E :

modulus of elasticity; braced point

e :

distance between points where load is attached

G :

shear modulus of elasticity

H :

base width of simulator

I :

moment of inertia in the bending plane

K :

torsional constant, function of cross section (see Ref. 18)

L :

arm length of simulator

M :

moment about the plane of the simulator

P cr :

buckling load

r :

top width of simulator

T :

torque

X A :

x-coordinate of the instantaneous center

x,y,z :

coordinate system

α:

slope of inclined leg of gravity-load simulator

Δ:

deflection, subscriptsH andV refer to sway and vertical deflections, respectively

δ:

deflection

θ:

end slope

ϕ:

twist angle

ψ:

rotation of rigid member

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Civil and Municipal Engineering, University College, London, England

    E. Yarimci (Lecturer)

  2. Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, Tex.

    J. A. Pura (Assistant Professor)

  3. Dept. of Civil Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlchen, Pa.

    L. W. Lu (Associate Professor)

Authors
  1. E. Yarimci
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  2. J. A. Pura
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  3. L. W. Lu
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Yarimci, E., Pura, J.A. & Lu, L.W. Techniques for testing structures permitted to sway. Experimental Mechanics 7, 321–331 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02326237

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02326237

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