Shake-table simulation study of small scale layered models

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the correlation between the dynamic behavior of a full-scale steel prototype and a small-scale plastic model fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM). Design/methodology/approach - Based on the use of a known input excitation, the small-scale model is tested on a shake-table. Experimental results are compared with results of a full prototype study and with computational models in an effort to assess the feasibility of testing small-scale FDM models. Findings - Time History Records present strong correlation with prototype data and are reproducible using computational methods. Matching the first natural frequency of the studied structure proved to be a large part of achieving the desired response. Research limitations/implications - including the direct measurement of floor displacements will potentially highlight different aspects of model behavior not observed by recording accelerations only. Further investigation into the damping properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic is recommended towards further understanding the model response. Practical implications - Although this paper is based on a simple structure, the benefits of layered manufacturing (LM) methods include speed and ease of generating geometrically complex solids. The implications of the success of this pilot study include the ease in which the dynamic response of complex structures can be assessed using small-scale LM models. Originality/value - This project obtained baseline information on the dynamic behavior of FDM plastic parts. It provides assessment of the value of using small-scale LM models to accurately predict the dynamic response of structures subjected to earthquake excitation.