Review on the Interaction Between Shaking Table and Specimen: The Effects and Control Methods

Utilizing earthquake simulation shaking tables for structural seismic testing enables real-time replication of diverse ground motions in a laboratory-controlled environment. However, beyond inherent electro-hydraulic servo system nonlinearities, shaking table–specimen dynamic interaction during testing significantly impacts frequency response characteristics of the shaking table system and compromises waveform reproduction accuracy. The shaking table–specimen interaction consequently increases discrepancies between output signals and desired input signals. This paper comprehensively reviews development and current research on shaking table–specimen interaction, focusing on two critical aspects: the shaking table–specimen interaction effects on system performance and corresponding proposed compensation and control strategies. The findings can serve as a key reference for enhancing waveform reproduction accuracy in electro-hydraulic servo earthquake simulation shaking table tests.