Buffalo - Dynamic Tests of Double Joints with Rinaldi Ground Motions

The double joint dynamic tests using the Rinaldi ground motions were performed on the test specimen. The absolute joint opening time histories obtained from numerical analysis were used as input ground motions for the double joint tests. The Rinaldi ground motions scaled to six different amplitudes, 50%, 100%, 140%, 160%, 190% and 200% of full-scale, were used as the input motions for this seismic test series. In order to prevent metal contacting in compression, the negative displacements (compression forces) were removed from the input ground motions. The input motions for the two shake tables are almost identical expect for a small time delay which is caused by the seismic wave propagation over the length of two adjacent joints.