Development of Software and Hardware Architecture for Real-Time Dynamic Hybrid Testing and Application to a Base Isolated Structure

Abstract

Real-Time Dynamic Hybrid Test (RTDHT) is a promising experimental testing technique, which combines numerical simulation and experimental testing of physical specimen in a complementary and efficient way. However, taking advantage of both numerical and experimental capabilities requires facing issues related to both environments.

In this article, the design and implementation of a RTDHT hardware and software architecture is presented. Issues related both to the numerical model and to the experimental setup are discussed; this is done from a general perspective, as well as referring to a base isolated structure which represents the implemented case study.

Keywords:

• Real-Time
• Hybrid Test
• Substructuring
• Shake Table
• Base Isolated Structure

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the financial support received from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme [FP7/2007–2013] under the grant agreements n° 227887 – SERIES Project and n° 212109 – EFAST Project, as well as from the Italian Civil Protection Agency under the “Progetto Esecutivo 2008–2011.”