Simulation of an Urban Infrastructure under Extreme Loads through a Network of Interactive Physical and Numerical Components

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The objective of the research program is to develop a simulation method with which the resilience of critical urban infrastructure can be evaluated through a network of interactive physical and computational models. For such simulations, it is important to realistically model each component of the system. Moreover, the interaction between the components needs to be properly represented in a system level model. While many unique computational or experimental methods have been used to investigate the components in detail, it is still challenging to integrate such components to build a system model. Thus, the urban infrastructure, such as underground structures subjected to earthquakes and buildings or bridges subjected to earthquakes or fire, have been studied with a large number of assumptions and approximations. To address the challenge, the PI's research group has developed the Integrated Simulation Method in which diverse numerical models in different analysis platforms or physical specimens in geographically distributed testing facilities can be integrated into a system model. ******The proposed research program is to extend the Integrated Simulation Method such that it can be applied to the assessment of typical urban infrastructure such as underground structures (subway tunnels and gas pipelines) and building structures subjected to earthquakes or fire. The research program will be built upon the PI's expertise in the hybrid simulation method and the unique experimental apparatus that has been developed by the PI's group in the past five years. The research program consists of five research projects: 1) evaluation of the resilience of multi-storey buildings with braces or supplemental dampers using the UT10 Hybrid Simulator, 2) evaluation of the seismic performance of reinforced concrete structures with the Hybrid Column Testing Machine, 3) development of a hybrid simulation method for a structure on fire, 4) development of a hybrid simulation method for underground structures and pipelines, and 5) development of an integration method for multiple dynamic subsystems.******The research program will impact the society in several ways. The simulation method will lead to realistic assessments of the resilience of urban infrastructure subjected to extreme loads which will guide emergency preparedness and policy development. In the long term, the PI envisions that the research program will lead to an establishment of a Simulation Centre for Urban Infrastructure. Secondly, the research program will train HQPs in the area of advanced modelling and simulation methods. The HQPs will develop a solid understanding of the behaviour of components that constitute urban infrastructure and how they interact with each other. In addition, the HQPs will have opportunities to interact with international collaborators and industry partners through whom they can develop global and practical perspectives.