ABSTRACT
The pseudodynamic testing method is considered, with respect to the quasi-static system identification and the shaking table tests, to represent an optimum compromise between budget limitations and accuracy in reproducing the strongly non-linear earthquake structural behaviour. Nevertheless, some problems may arise that deserve a particular study. This paper reports some of the results already achieved in an ongoing research project devoted to the study of the dynamic behaviour of subassemblages and frames. A comparative study was initially performed to assess the accuracy and stability of some numerical integration schemes. The most revealing findings resulted of the subsequent development of a simulation algorithm, which served to study the efficiency of several numerical integration schemes, as well as to assess the effects of different error-compensation procedures. These conclusions led to the development of a pseudodynamic testing system, which accuracy will be compared with results obtained with shaking table.
