Analytical assessment of an irregular RC frame for full-scale 3D pseudo-dynamic testing part I: Analytical model verification

In this paper, a detailed description of the analytical modelling of a full-scale irregular RC test structure intended for Pseudo-dynamic (PsD) testing is presented. Extensive pre-test assessment was performed to investigate the capacity and dynamic characteristics of the test structure. The use and applicability of static and dynamic analysis methods are discussed. A systematic approach to determine an earthquake scenario for the highly irregular test model was developed which satisfies three criteria: (i) collapse prevention, (ii) severe damage level for the acquisition of data on structural damage and (iii) maximum torsional response. Four pre-test models with different assumptions were compared in addition to the comparison of analytical and experimental results.