Shaking table tests of power distribution cabinets: Physical damage, post-earthquake functionality and seismic response evaluation

Power distribution cabinets (PDCs) are widely used in several critical facilities to ensure the power supply and distribution. Although these cabinets may suffer seismic damage during earthquakes, and result in cascading functionality, economic and life losses, they have received little attention in terms of seismic performance. Therefore, there is an increasing need to understand the performance of such equipment during earthquakes. This study conducted shaking table tests on three PDCs to investigate the seismic performance and dynamic responses. Both physical damage and post-earthquake functionality evaluation were conducted during shaking table tests. The seismic responses of tested cabinets including natural frequency, stress, acceleration, and deformation responses were presented in detail. Seismic qualification levels of tested cabinets based on existing rules were also introduced. This paper not only enlarges the experimental database of the seismic performance of PDCs, but also provides basic data and rules for performance-based seismic evaluation of such nonstructural components.