Real-Time Hybrid Simulation of Seismically Isolated Structures with Full-Scale Bearings and Large Computational Models

Hybrid simulation can be a cost effective approach for dynamic testing of structural components at full scale while capturing the system level response through interactions with a numerical model.The dynamic response of a seismically isolated structure depends on the combined characteristics of the ground motion,bearings,and superstructure.Therefore,dynamic full-scale system level tests of isolated structures under realistic dynamic loading conditions are desirable towards a holistic validation of this earthquake protection strategy.Moreover,bearing properties and their ultimate behavior have been shown to be highly dependent on rate-of-loading and scale size effects,especially under extreme loading conditions.Few laboratory facilities can test full-scale seismic isolation bearings under prescribed displacement and/or loading protocols.The adaptation of a full-scale bearing test machine for the implementation of real-time hybrid simulation is presented here with a focus on the challenges encountered in attaining reliable simulation results for large scale dynamic tests.These advanced real-time hybrid simulations of large and complex hybrid models with several thousands of degrees of freedom are some of the first to use high performance parallel computing to rapidly execute the numerical analyses.Challenges in the experimental setup included measured forces contaminated by delay and other systematic control errors in applying desired displacements.Friction and inertial forces generated by the large-scale loading apparatus can affect the accuracy of measured force feedbacks.Reliable results from real-time hybrid simulation requires implementation of compensation algorithms and correction of these various sources of errors.Overall,this research program confirms that real-time hybrid simulation is a viable testing method to experimentally assess the behavior of full-scale isolators while capturing interactions with the numerical models of the superstructure to evaluate system level and in-structure response.

Structural Finite Element Software Coupling Using Adapter Elements

This paper describes a versatile and computationally efficient method for coupling several finite element analysis(FEA)programs together so that the unique modeling and analysis capabilities of each code can be utilized simultaneously to simulate the static or dynamic response of a complete numerical system.An arbitrary number of finite element analysis software packages can be coupled by adding two special types of elements,namely generic and adapter elements,to each of the finite element applications using their programming interface.These elements are inserted at the interfaces between the different sub-domains of the complete system modeled by each finite element analysis software package.Exchange of data between the coupled FEA codes is accomplished in a modular and synchronized manner using OpenFresco(Opensource Framework for Experimental Setup and Control).OpenFresco is an objectoriented,environment independent software framework initially developed for hybrid simulation in which certain aspects of a complete structure are simulated numerically and other aspects are simultaneously tested physically.An important practical advantage of this coupled analysis approach is that all of the connected FEA codes run concurrently and continuously,decreasing analysis time consumption by an order of magnitude or more compared to more traditional approaches that shut down and restart the coupled analysis codes at each integration time step.The implementation and accuracy of this approach to FE software coupling are demonstrated using dynamic analyses of three simple structural models from the field of earthquake engineering.

Timber-concrete composite bridges:Three case studies

During the last years, timber-concrete composite(TCC) structures have been extensively used in Europe both in new and existing buildings. Generally speaking, a composite structure combines the advantages of both materials employed: the strength and stiffness of the concrete in compression and the tensile strength, lightweight, low embodied energy, and aesthetical appearance of the timber. The concrete slab provides protection of the timber beams from direct contact with water, which is crucial to ensure the durability of the timber beams, particularly when used for bridges. Different types of connectors can be used to provide force exchange between the concrete slab and the timber beam. The choice of a structurally effective yet cheap shear connection between the concrete topping and the timber joist is crucial to make the TCC structures a viable solution that can compete with reinforced concrete and steel structures. In this paper, the possibilities offered by TCC structures for short-span bridge decks are discussed. The technology of TCC structures and the general design rules are illustrated. Three case studies are reported, including a short-span bridge tested in Colorado, USA, with the timber layer being constructed from recycled utility poles and notch connection; a TCC bridge with glulam beams and triangular notches with epoxyglued rebar connectors built in Portugal; and a TCC bridge with glulam beams and rectangular notches built in Germany. All the solutions were found to be structurally effective and aesthetically pleasing. They can all provide a sustainable option for short-span bridges.