Shaking table tests for seismic stability of stacked concrete blocks used for radiation shielding

This paper describes the shaking table tests carried out at the European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering (EUCENTRE) to investigate the seismic behaviour of four configurations of stacked concrete blocks, commonly used at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) as a shielding barrier against different types of radiation. The blocks used for these configurations have been designed to guarantee an adequate level of protection to radiation and, at the same time, to be easily transported and managed for different installations. The block configuration specimens have been tested using the acceleration time-histories of two different earthquakes occurred in the Mediterranean region. Each configuration has been tested several times with acceleration amplitude increments until rigid kinematisms are triggered. This paper presents the test setup and inputs, the related experimental readings and the main results obtained by these tests. The two main mechanisms observed at the interfaces between the blocks during the tests were sliding and rocking. The data collected at the end of the experimental campaign constitute an important source to calibrate different discrete-system-models, in order to study the seismic response of block configurations used for radiation protection in particle physics research institutions. •Rocking mechanism at the base was noticed during the tests.•Local rocking mechanisms were also noticed between the blocks.•Top lateral displacement was proportional to both height and intensity.