Shake table testing is a test of equipment to determine whether the equipment can survive random oscillating motion. Equipment is bolted to a shake table that moves horizontally and possibly vertically in a prescribed motion, simulating an earthquake. Shake table testing only proves that equipment can survive the motion created by earthquakes. “Surviving an earthquake” can mean many different things. Survival may mean that the equipment does not fly apart, that the equipment can start after the earthquake, or that the equipment will operate through the earthquake and keep running. The individual testing agency has historically subjectively applied the prescribed motion of a shake table based on interpretation of the requirements and shake table capabilities. This paper will provide an explanation of the requirements, criteria, and performance of the shake table test.

Units: Dual