Analytical and experimental studies of a sliding structural system are undertaken. The analytical studies show that the intensity of ground motion transmitted to the structure is largely limited by friction and the response of the structure is approximately linearly dependent of input frequency. This agrees with field observation of full scale masonry structures subjected to severe earthquakes and previous analytical studies. Two experimental model studies are carried out on an aluminum and a masonry structural system to verify the analytical results. These systems are subjected to steady sinusoidal excitation on a shaking table. Three materials are used to develop a simple horizontal plane. Comparisons show a good general agreement between experimental and theoretical results. ©ASCE.