Instructional shake table for demonstrations in structural dynamics

Abstract

Instructional Shake tables are an effective pedagogical tool for use in class room and lab, for teaching structural dynamics at advanced undergraduate and graduate level. A detailed study is carried out for a miniature shake table, currently used by the University Consortium of Instructional Shake Tables. A detailed description of the apparatus is given, followed by the system operation. Experiments that simulate different earthquakes are run, and response of a two degree of freedom structure model is noted. Issues regarding interpretation of the response are discussed. Finally an application of the apparatus is demonstrated by use of wavelets for extracting vibration modes of the structure and their damping.