IDEERS Research@Bristol - Shaking Table Tests

There are no masses on the cables yet.

When a scale model of a structure is made, its size is reduced, but the mass doesn't scale down correctly. The model ends up too light, so extra weight is added to correct for this problem.

Computer models of bridges are used by designers to predict how they will behave under different loads, e.g. traffic and earthquakes. The way bridges are modelled needs to be checked to make sure that computer predictions are reliable. That way safer bridges can be designed.

Shaking Table Tests

Jindo Bridge in South Korea.
(Where is it?)

The EERC made a 1/50th scale model of the 484 metre long
Jindo Bridge in South Korea. The bridge is of the cable stayed type.

You can see that the model has small masses on the cables, along the bridge, (See a close up) and on the towers. (Why?)

Different tests were done on the model to investigate how the whole bridge would vibrate during an earthquake. It was mounted on the shaking-table (Show Me) and tested for different earthquakes.

The movement of the structure was recorded using accelerometers. The results were used to check a computer simulation of the bridge (Why?).

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Bridges
Shaking Table Tests

from Bristol University