Research Tools for Hybrid (Experimental-Numerical) Simulations of Structures under Extreme Loads

这项提议旨在获得研究工具，这些工具将极大地提高多伦多大学已经开发的混合(实验-数值)模拟能力。研究工具由三项组成：第一项--轴向受力构件的可调式测试仪；第二项--数据采集/控制系统；第三项--电动直线执行器/控制器。通过拟议的研究工具，将实现三种独特的混合模拟能力。1)第1项将允许对带有屈曲约束支撑、摩擦阻尼器、屈服阻尼器或自定心支撑的多层建筑进行真实模拟。2)多伦多大学结构试验设施现有的柱试验机将升级为混合柱试验机，任何钢筋混凝土柱试件都可以与结构系统其余部分的数值模型集成在一起。第2项将用于提供物理样品和数值模拟软件之间的接口。3)项目#3将用于开发斜拉桥在风荷载作用下的混合模拟方法。一旦开发和验证了模拟方法，它将应用于合作风洞测试设施的实际研究项目。 上述研究计划建立在PI在混合模拟方法方面的良好记录基础上。PI开发了一个混合仿真框架(UT-SIM框架，www.ut-sim.ca)，该框架已广泛用于民用基础设施的大规模混合仿真。PI通过模拟框架与合作PI以及许多国际研究人员合作。拟议的研究工具将与UT-SIM框架紧密结合，该框架将被区域、国家和国际研究人员广泛使用。 研究项目还将提供独特的HQP培训机会。通过混合模拟在结构性能评估领域工作的HQP将获得关于结构元件的行为、数值建模和模拟技能以及实验技能的知识。仅在PI的研究小组中，就有7名HQP目前正在研究独特的混合模拟方法。其中三人将在获得研究工具后立即开始使用所要求的研究工具。在未来五年内，将通过该研究计划培训至少十名HQP，他们将为加拿大的结构工程行业做出巨大贡献。 总体而言，将由拟议的研究工具支持的研究计划将极大地促进混合模拟方法，并允许计算和实验研究工具的紧密集成。它将把多伦多大学定位为极端载荷下结构高级模拟的领先枢纽。

This proposal is aimed at acquiring research tools that will greatly advance hybrid (experimental-numerical) simulation capabilities that have been developed at the University of Toronto. The research tools consist of three items: Item #1 - adjustable testing apparatus for axially loaded structural elements, Item #2 - data acquisition/control system, and Item #3 - electric linear actuator/controller. With the proposed research tools, three unique hybrid simulation capabilities will be enabled. 1) Item #1 will allow realistic simulation of multi-storey buildings with buckling restrained braces, friction dampers, yielding dampers, or self-centering braces. 2) The existing column-testing machine at the Structural Testing Facility at the University of Toronto will be upgraded to a hybrid column tester with which any reinforced concrete column specimen can be integrated with a numerical model of the rest of the structural system. Item #2 will be used to provide an interface between a physical specimen and a numerical simulation software. 3) Item #3 will be used to develop a hybrid simulation method for cable-stayed bridges subject to wind load. Once the simulation method is developed and verified, it will be applied to practical research projects at collaborating wind tunnel testing facilities. The above research programs build upon the PI’s strong track record on hybrid simulation methods. The PI has developed a hybrid simulation framework (UT-SIM framework, www.ut-sim.ca) which has been extensively used for large-scale hybrid simulation of civil infrastructure. The PI has collaborated with co-PIs as well as many international researchers through the simulation framework. The proposed research tools will be tightly integrated with the UT-SIM framework, which will be extensively used by regional, national, and international researchers. The research programs will provide unique HQP training opportunities as well. The HQPs working in the field of structural performance assessment through hybrid simulation will gain knowledge on behaviour of structural elements, numerical modelling and simulation skills, as well as experimental skills. In the PI’s research group only, seven HQPs are currently working on unique hybrid simulation methods. Three of them will start using the requested research tools as soon as the research tools are secured. Over the next five years, at least ten HQPs will be trained through the research program, who will greatly contribute to the structural engineering industry in Canada. Overall, the research programs, which will be enabled by the proposed research tools, will greatly advance the hybrid simulation method, and allow tight integration of computational and experimental research tools. It will position the University of Toronto as a leading hub for advanced simulation of structures under extreme loading.