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

这项建议旨在获得研究工具，这将大大推进混合（实验-数值）模拟能力，已在多伦多大学开发。研究工具包括三个项目：项目#1 -轴向加载结构元件的可调节测试装置，项目#2 -数据采集/控制系统，以及项目#3 -电动线性致动器/控制器。通过拟议的研究工具，将启用三种独特的混合仿真功能。1)项目#1将允许真实模拟带有屈曲约束支撑、摩擦阻尼器、屈服阻尼器或自定心支撑的多层建筑。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相结合。项目#2将用于提供物理样本和数值模拟软件之间的接口。3)项目3将用于开发斜拉桥风荷载的混合模拟方法。一旦模拟方法被开发和验证，它将被应用到实际的研究项目在合作的风洞试验设施。 上述研究项目建立在PI在混合模拟方法方面的良好记录之上。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co-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。 这些研究项目也将提供独特的HQP培训机会。通过混合模拟在结构性能评估领域工作的HQP将获得有关结构元件行为，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，七个HQP目前正在研究独特的混合仿真方法。其中三个机构将在获得所要求的研究工具后立即开始使用这些工具。在接下来的五年里，至少有十名HQP将通过研究计划进行培训，他们将为加拿大的结构工程行业做出巨大贡献。 总的来说，研究计划，这将使拟议的研究工具，将大大推进混合模拟方法，并允许紧密集成的计算和实验研究工具。它将使多伦多大学成为极端载荷下结构高级模拟的领先中心。

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.