Shake Table Testing of Container Cranes - Phase II

The goal of the Phase II test was to investigate the response of a 1/10-scale container crane through the measurement of the elastic and inelastic responses and the interaction between flexural behavior and the expected uplift/derailment. Previous studies have considered only the elastic and uplift responses of container cranes. However, modern jumbo cranes are expected to experience yielding of the cross-sections and local buckling of the legs. Therefore, it is critical to investigate these non-linear effects. The test included 193 trials with various earthquake ground motions and low amplitude white noise inputs. The data collected in this phase of testing provided: (1) additional data for validating analytical models and refining fragility curves; (2) information on the elastic and inelastic responses of container cranes; (3) information on the derailment, local buckling and collapse damage states; (4) information on the sequence of damage, including the determination of when and whether plastic hinges will occur, and their rotation capacity; and (5) original data to characterize the uplift, including if the wheels peel off the ground and partially derail.