A novel biaxial shaking table and its performance when investigating seismic actions

Abstract The design of a new type of biaxial shaking table is presented. The shaking table is able to apply horizontal and vertical movements to models using two actuators. It is novel in that the two actuators are horizontally aligned, through its use of a scissor mechanism, and because of its compact design which permits simple anchorage to a laboratory strong floor. The scissor mechanism translates the movement of one of the actuators to a purely vertical movement at the table. The other actuator, which moves horizontally the scissor mechanism and its supports, causes the horizontal movement of the table. The horizontal and vertical movements are applied and controlled independently, individually or simultaneously. The capability of the shaking table to control and replicate a variety of uniaxial and biaxial movements is verified by conducting several shaking table experiments. This is done when the table is naked and when it supports a payload having a nonlinear dynamic response. Very good agreements between achieved and desired uniaxial and biaxial movements are attained. Rigidity of the scissor arm mechanism and connections, and preloaded roller bearings and rail blocks, are central to its success. Displacement errors, rolling, pitching and yawing of the table's top plate are negligible. The new table type is slightly more expensive than a uniaxial system, and substantially less expensive than a six degrees‐of freedom system, meaning biaxial vertical and horizontal shaking capability can now be achieved in a laboratory at reasonable cost.