Similitude Distortion Compensation for a Small Scale Model of a Knee Braced Steel Frame

The purpose of producing scaled physical models is to allow the assessment in the laboratory of the probable response of a structure to a prescribed loading. It is obviously of paramount importance to construct these models to reflect reality as accurately as possible. The problem encountered particularly for dynamic testing is that the similitude requirements are sometimes impractical. This paper presents the design details of 1:12 scale model of a ten storey Knee Braced Frame (KBF) for testing on a shaking table. The implications of imperfect similitude are investigated and a mass adjustment technique is used to compensate for the modeling distortion. The method used is successful in correcting the unsatisfied similitude conditions. The dynamic properties as well as the response parameters of primary interest, i.e., horizontal floor displacements, knee element ductility and the energy dissipation capacity of the small scale model are then within the range of true scale buildings.