NHERI@UC San Diego 6-DOF Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table Facility

Since its commissioning in 2004, the UC San Diego Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table (LHPOST) has enabled seismic testing of large structural, geostructural and soil-foundation-structural systems, with ability to accurately reproduce far- near-field ground motions. Thirty-four (34) landmark projects were conducted on LHPOST as a national shared-use equipment facility part National Science Foundation (NSF) Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) currently Natural Hazards Research Infrastructure (NHERI) programs, an ISO/IEC Standard 17025:2005 accredited facility. The tallest structures ever tested shake table LHPOST, free from height restrictions. Experiments using generate essential knowledge that greatly advanced design practice response predictive capabilities geostructural, non-structural leading improved earthquake safety community overall. Indeed, test full-size made it possible physically validate performance various systems previously could only be studied at reduced scale or computer models. However, LHPOST's limitation 1-DOF (uni-directional) input motion prevented investigation important aspects 3-D structural systems. was originally conceived six degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) but built single degree-of-freedom (1-DOF) system due budget limitations. is being upgraded 6-DOF capabilities. (LHPOST6) will create unique, large-scale, high-performance, experimental research enable advancement science, technology, engineering. Testing infrastructure under realistic multi-DOF excitation fully understand behavior civil development, calibration, validation high-fidelity mathematical/computational models, verifying effective methods disaster mitigation prevention. LHPOST6 improve codes construction standards develop accurate decision-making tools necessary build maintain sustainable disaster-resilient communities. Moreover, support new innovative materials, manufacturing methods, detailing, protective retrofit methods. This paper provide brief overview impact some past projects. It also describe upgrade enable.