Conducting Hybrid Simulation with Stiff Specimens

Subjecting full-scale structures to real-world loading poses enormous challenges for civil engineering test labs. Working with MTS, the University of Minnesota built and maintains one of the world's highest capacity seismic test systems, capable of applying massive forces to very large specimens in six degrees of freedom.

Professor Catherine French, PhD, PE - Laboratory Director explores the unique capabilities of the University of Minnesota Multi-Axial Subassemblage Test (MAST) Lab, used by researchers worldwide for applying realistic loads to large-scale specimens, such as core walls, beam-column frame systems, wind turbine tower bases, and more. Results from these test are used to verify design codes, analyze new materials and systems, and optimize civil project safety and cost-effectiveness.

One of ten original NEES (Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation) sites, the University of Minnesota MAST Lab integrates state-of-the-art MTS testing technologies, including 6 Degree-of-Freedom (6DOF) Control, ultra-low friction hydrostatic bearings, and advanced quasi-static and real-time hybrid simulation.
Capable of testing full-scale civil structures and components up to 8.7m tall and 6m x 6m in plan Highly stiff steel cruciform crosshead design MTS Linear Hydraulic Actuators: 4 Vertical, 2 Longitudinal, 2 Lateral Vertical Force Capacity: 5.8MN Vertical Displacement: +/- 500mm Horizontal Force Capacity: 3.9MN (longitudinal & lateral) Horizontal Displacement: +/- 400mm

Test Case 1: 1940 El Centro earthquake inputs were applied to an FEA model of a 3D one-story, one-bay frame structure and MTS Landmark load frame testing an aluminum column with axial stiffness of 110 kN/mm. Good correlation was achieved between the FEA and hybrid simulations, however, the vertical force measured using cascade control was smoother than that obtained with displacement control.

Test Case 2: 1940 El Centro earthquake inputs were applied to an FEA model of a 2D one-story, one-bay frame structure and MTS Landmark load frame testing a steel truss with axial stiffness of 120 kN/mm. Good correlation was achieved between the FEA and hybrid simulations, however, at low excitation the axial force measured with displacement control showed higher levels of wave distortion.

Test Case 3: 1994 Northridge earthquake inputs were applied to an FEA model of a 3D three-story, multi-bay frame structure and a 6DOF MAST system testing a steel column with vertical stiffness of 418 kN/mm. Good correlation was achieved between the FEA and hybrid simulations, although it is suspected that cascade control would provide more accurate results on test systems with higher noise than the University of Minnesota's extremely low-friction MAST.

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