Shaking table model test and numerical analysis of a complex high‐rise building

Abstract Owing to commercial or aesthetic considerations, the shapes of high‐rise city buildings are becoming increasingly unique and complicated. This brings challenges to structural engineers in analyzing and predicting their dynamic responses, which are crucial to the safety of the buildings. For these buildings in China, a detailed study, sometimes including shaking table testing, is required to verify the safety and rationality of their design. This paper presents results of a study performed for a high‐rise building with a large space in the ground floor and large openings in elevation. The maximum responses of acceleration and deformation were measured and evaluated, as well as the dynamic characteristics, cracking pattern and failure mechanism of the building. In addition, a 3D finite element analysis was carried out and the analytical results were compared with experimental ones to gain a better understanding of the structural behavior. Suggestions regarding the design of this type of structure were also derived from the test results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.