Shake Table Model Design of Container Crane Using Similitude Law

This study presents a comprehensive methodology for developing a 1/20 scale container crane model based on the similitude law. A key line in the incorporation of a dedicated scaling factor of a moment of inertia to guide the design of cross-sections for primary structural members. To validate the design approach, a white noise excitation test was conducted on a shake table at the Seismic Research and Test Center, Pusan National University, to identify the natural frequencies of the scaled model. Subsequently, three ground motions were applied to the scale model to study the seismic response characteristics. Parallel numerical simulations were carried out using a finite element model constructed in the SAP2000 software package, employing beam elements for time-history analysis. A comparison between experimental and numerical results revealed strong agreement in both natural frequencies, with a difference of 7.69%, and seismic response parameters, including displacement and acceleration. These findings suggest that the 1/20 scale container crane model, which was developed in accordance with the similitude law and studied by using the shaking table tests, could effectively replicate the seismic response of the full-sized scale container crane under seismic loading conditions. These results provide a scientific basis for improving seismic design guidelines and conducting vulnerability assessments to enhance the safety and resilience of container cranes in actual port operations.