Shaking Table Experiments – Gathered Experience and Knowledge Through Years

Over the past four decades, seismic shaking tables have played a vital role in the advancement of earthquake engineering. These tables allow researchers to gain valuable insights into the behaviour of materials, joints, and structural elements when subjected to varying types of earthquake motion in a controlled laboratory setting. The data obtained from these experiments have led to significant improvements in the modelling and understanding of the structural behaviour of different systems, ultimately enhancing seismic design code practices. Shake table experiments can be categorized into three main areas: testing physical models to better comprehend the dynamic behaviour of structures, developing earthquake engineering technologies, and conducting proof and seismic qualification tests on crucial mechanical and electrical equipment. This paper presents an overview of shaking table experiments and selected examples of tests performed in the Dynamic Testing Laboratory at the Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology-IZIIS in Skopje, R. N. Macedonia. It examines the challenges encountered when using shaking tables for different types of experimentation.