Validation of a Linear Model to Evaluate Systematic Errors in PsD Tests

Abstract

The present paper discusses the principles of continuous PsD (pseudodynamic) testing and its present implementation at the ELSA laboratory as a seismic testing technique for large-scale specimens. Then, control errors for this kind of test are addressed, remarking their influence in the modification of the frequency and damping of the structure, as well as a linear model is developed to study the direct impact of the controller settings and the testing speed on them. Afterwards, a parametric study of that linear dimensional model is given. In order to tune this model some tests have been performed with an actuator of 500 kN and r500 mm stroke. By changing the controller gains it has been possible to establish the working range and the restrictions of the model.