大型结构构件地震作用模拟装置MUST的研发及加载控制验证

This paper briefly reviews the conventional experimental testing methods for structural components under seismic and gravity loads, and introduces the concepts of a new type of large scale structural testing (multiple usage structural test, MUST) system invented by the first author. The paper points out the problems in conventional loading methods, including the hinged actuator, post-tensioning and the loading with ball or roller-bearing systems. The MUST has the advantages of maintaining the axial loading to be perpendicular to the lateral loading and the actual forces applied to the specimen can be directly monitored, thus overcoming the problems in the conventional testing systems. Validation tests including displacement excursions, bi-directional quasi-static tests and pseudo dynamic tests were carried out on the first prototype of HNU-MUST to verify the feasibility and accuracy of MUST system.