Development of hybrid simulation system for multi-degree-of-freedom large-scale testing

Hybrid Simulation (HS) is a fast-growing computational/physical testing technique that can replace shaking table tests using an online computational substructure to update the input signal based on the feedback from the physical substructure. This paper presents the development and validation of a new Hybrid Simulation System (HSS) and communication scheme. The developed HSS utilizes readily available laboratory data acquisition (DAQ) systems along with inexpensive TCP/IP-Ethernet protocols to establish multi-degree-of-freedom communication between the physical and computational substructures. Several single and double free actuators, i.e. not attached to specimens, were used to verify the new system communication loop. Moreover, a repaired reinforced concrete bridge column-bent cap-box girder subassemblage was used to conduct a large-scale bidirectional HS trial tests using the developed system for further verification. The verification tests are discussed herein where the new communication scheme and the entire HSS were shown to be accurate.