Networked collaborative pseudo-dynamic testing of a multi-span bridge based on NetSLab

Modem dynamic tests such as networked collaborative pseudo-dynamic testing （PDT） provide new tools to study the dynamic performance of large and complex structures. In this paper, several networked collaborative PDT systems established in China and abroad are introduced, including a detailed description of the first networked collaborative platform that involved the construction of a standardized demonstration procedure for networked collaborative PDT. The example is a multi-span bridge with RC piers retrofitted by FRP, and a networked structural laboratory （NetSLab） platform is used to link distributed laboratories located at several universities together. Substructure technology is also used in the testing. The characteristics, resource sharing and collaborative work of NetSLab are described, and the results illustrate that use of the NetSLab is feasible for studying the dynamic performance of multi-span bridge structures.

Pseudo-dynamic tests on masonry residential buildings seismically retrofitted by precast steel reinforced concrete walls

A retrofitting technology using precast steel reinforced concrete（PSRC） panels is developed to improve the seismic performance of old masonry buildings. The PSRC panels are built up as an external PSRC wall system surrounding the existing masonry building. The PSRC walls are well connected to the existing masonry building, which provides enough confinement to effectively improve the ductility, strength, and stiffenss of old masonry structures. The PSRC panels are prefabricated in a factory, significantly reducing the situ work and associated construction time. To demonstrate the feasibility and mechanical effectivenss of the proposed retrofitting system, a full-scale five-story specimen was constructed. The retrofitting process was completed within five weeks with very limited indoor operation. The specimen was then tested in the lateral direction, which could potentially suffer sigifnicant damage in a large earthquake. The technical feasibility, construction workability, and seismic performance were thoroughly demonstrated by a full-scale specimen construction and pseudo-dynamic tests.

Application of bi-directional static loading test to deep foundations

Bi-directional static loading test adopting load cells is widely used around the world at present, with increase in diameter and length of deep foundations. In this paper, a new simple conversion method to predict the equivalent pile head load-settlement curve considering elastic shortening of deep foundation was put forward according to the load transfer mechanism. The proposed conversion method was applied to root caisson foundation in a bridge and to large diameter pipe piles in a sea wind power plant. Some new load cells, test procedure, and construction technology were adopted based on the applications to different deep foundations, which could enlarge the application scopes of bi-directional loading test. A new type of bi-directional loading test for pipe pile was conducted, in which the load cell was installed and loaded after the pipe pile with special connector has been set up. Unlike the conventional bi-directional loading test, the load cell can be reused and shows an evident economic benefit.

Seismic performance testing of reinforcement concrete frames strengthened with Y-eccentrically brace

Two single-storey single-span reinforcement concrete （RC） frame structures strengthened with Y-eccentrically brace were designed and manufactured to be 1/3 scale. The pseudo-dynamic testing method was used to study the mechanical characteristics and the seismic performance under E1-Centro earthquake action with different peak acceleration adjusted by China＇s Code for Seismic Design of Buildings. The test results indicate that RC frame structures strengthened with Y- eccentrically steel brace present perfect seismic performance under strong earthquake action owing to the good ductility, strong bearing capability and fine energy absorbing capability provided by energy dissipation element and high lateral stiffness provided by diagonal braces. The seismic performance is also affected by the length of outsourcing steel at the joint between energy dissipation element of eccentric steel brace and RC frame beam. The joint should be considerably designed to make sure that shear failure can firstly occur in energy dissipation element.

Pseudo-dynamic testing of a fabricated composite frame with steel plate shear walls

A pseudo-dynamic testing program was generated on a fabricated composite frame with steel plate shear walls （SPSWs） to study its seismic perlbrmance. The specimen was a three-storey single-bay frame, which was composed of H- section steel columns and composite beams, and was assembled by bolted height-adjustable steel beam-to-column connections （BHA connections）. Beam-only-connected SPSWs were selected as lateral load resisting members. The specimen was subjected to four ground motions of progressively increasing intensity. The results showed that： （1） beam-only-connected S PSWs provided sufficient lateral load resistance, lateral stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity to the fabricated frame via the tension ficld action developed in their infill panels; （2） the fabricated frame, assembled by BHA connections, exhibited substantial redundancy and good ductility; （3） an undesirable failure mode of the fabricated frame, in huge earthquakes, included severe cracking in composite beams and block shear failure in SPSWs＇ connections; （4） the inter-storey shear force distribution determined by ASCE/SE1 7-10 was verified with experimental data.

Seismic response of continuous span bridges through fiber-based finite element analysis

It is widely recognized that nonlinear time-history analysis constitutes the most accurate way to simulate the response of structures subjected to strong levels of seismic excitation. This analytical method is based on sound underlying principles and has the capability to reproduce the intrinsic inelastic dynamic behavior of structures. Nonetheless, comparisons with experimental results from large-scale testing of structures are still needed, in order to ensure adequate levels of confidence in this numerical methodology. The fiber modelling approach employed in the current endeavor inherently accounts for geometric nonlinearities and material inelasticity, without a need for calibration of plastic hinges mechanisms, typical in concentrated plasticity models. The resulting combination of analysis accuracy and modelling simplicity, allows thus to overcome the perhaps not fully justifiable sense of complexity associated to nonlinear dynamic analysis. The fiber-based modelling approach is employed in the framework of a finite element program downloaded from the Intemet for seismic response analysis of framed structures. The reliability and accuracy of the program are demonstrated by numerically reproducing pseudo-dynamic tests on a four span continuous deck concrete bridge. Modelling assumptions are discussed, together with their implications on numerical results of the nonlinear time-history analyses, which were found to be in good agreement with experimental results.

Nonlinear seismic response analysis of reinforced concrete tube in tube structure

Super-highly reinforced concrete tube in tube structure is a developing structure system of high-rise building. The more reasonable derivation process of the multi-vertical-line-element model stiffness matrix is given.On the premise of pointing out the problems of present multi-spring element model, combined with present multivertical-line-element model for analyzing on shear wall, the model is expanded to spatial one, and the stiffness matrix of which is derived. Combined with hysteretic axial model and hysteretic shear model, it is suitable for columns,wall limbs and beams with all kinds of section form. Some examples are calculated and compared with test results,which shows that the models have relatively good accuracy. On the base of the experimental phenomenon and failure mechanism for tube in tube structure specimen, nonlinear seismic responses analysis program on the basis of the advantaged element model for tube in tube structure is developed. Calculation results are in good agreement with those of the pseudo-dynamic tests and the failure mechanism can be well reflected.