The paper describes the distinctive features of the pseudo-dynamic test met
hod as implemented at the ELSA reaction-wall facility. Both hardware and so
ftware aspects are considered. Particular attention is devoted to the digit
al control system and to a coupled numerical-experimental substructuring te
chnique allowing realistic earthquake testing of very large structures. Mat
hematical and implementation details corresponding to this testing techniqu
e are given for both synchronous and asynchronous input motion. Selected te
st results illustrate the advantages of the presented features. Copyright (
C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.