A force control high-order single-step-β method (HSM) for substructure pseudo-dynamic testing

This paper proposes a new technique which introduces the high-order single-step-β method (HSM) into the experimental study on the substructure pseudo-dynamic testing (SPDT). The technique is based on the proposed concept of equivalent shear stiffness which can meet the requirement of the HSM algorithm. A study is done to theoretically validate the technique by the numerical analysis of two-storey shear building structure, in comparison of the proposed substructure pseudo-dynamic testing algorithm with the central difference method (CDM). Then, a full-scale SPDT model, the three-storey frame-supported reinforced concrete short-limb masonry shear wall structure, is designed and tested to simulate the seismic response of the corresponding six-storey structure and verify the proposed force control HSM technique. Meanwhile, the techniques of both stiffness correction and force control are suggested to control algorithmic error, control error and measurement error. The results indicate that the force control HSM can be used in the full-scale multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) substructure pseudo-dynamic testing before descent segment of structure restoring force properties.