Controller-extensible hybrid simulation platform for viscoelastically damped frame structures based on Matlab-Opensees frameworks

Abstract

Most of hybrid simulation platforms (HSPs) that use OpenSees for structural hybrid testing research are developed based on OpenFresco framework software. Although OpenFresco is mature and reliable, it can only communicate with specific hydraulic servo actuator control systems, which limits the diversity and flexibility of HSP development. Matlab has powerful independent development functions, and has a wide range of communication interface advantages with many finite element software and actuator control systems. Therefore, Matlab can be used as the communication medium between OpenSees and actuator control system in this study. Firstly, the controller-extensible HSP based on Matlab-OpenSees frameworks is developed. Then, the core establishment details of HSP, including core architecture, hardware system, and DELTA-Matlab-OpenSees system, are analyzed and described in detail. Next, the dynamic loading tests on the spring components are carried out when the HSP is subjected to continuously changing working conditions in the wide frequency domain and displacement amplitude domain. The comparative analysis results on the target displacement curve and the measured displacement curve verify the accuracy and robustness of the inner control loop of HSP. Next, the hybrid tests on a three-story reinforced concrete frame structure with linear springs are implemented under different seismic wave excitations. The comparative research on the hybrid test results and time-history analysis results verifies the accuracy and robustness of the developed HSP (outer control loop) in this study. Lastly, on this basis, a series of hybrid tests on viscoelastically damped frame structures are conducted under different seismic wave excitations. The test results truly reveal the control rule on the seismic response of reinforced concrete frame structures affected by viscoelastic dampers.