Experimental Study on 3D RC Frame Structures with VE Energy Dissipation Braces Using STM32-Matlab-OpenSees Hybrid Test Platform

Abstract

This study aims to reveal the control mechanism of viscoelastic (VE) energy dissipation braces with strong mechanical nonlinear characteristics on the seismic response of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures. Firstly, a new STM32-Matlab-OpenSees joint hybrid test platform is developed by introducing OpenSees, which is convenient for structural modeling and fast for structural calculation. The overall architecture and operation of the hybrid test platform are comprehensively analyzed. Then, a series of simulated seismic hybrid tests on three-dimensional (3D) RC frame structures with VE energy dissipation braces under different seismic waves are successfully carried out. Lastly, the hybrid test results of this structure system at different working conditions are compared and analyzed comprehensively. The research results show that the developed platform breaks the boundary limitation that OpenSees relies on the framework software OpenFresco and can only be connected to specific control systems in the hybrid test. Thus, it greatly expands the application scope of flexible configuration controller and actuator categories for the hybrid test platform, and it also provides a good reference value for the establishment and implementation of similar hybrid test platforms. Under the action of various seismic waves, VE energy dissipation braces has good universality for the shock absorption of RC frame structures. The damping control effect and energy dissipation efficiency of VE energy dissipation braces are significantly different under various seismic waves. In the design of RC frame structures with VE energy dispersion braces, it is very necessary to conduct the seismic analysis of the structures under multiple ground motions with wide frequency domain. The additional position of VE energy dissipation braces should be an important analysis indicators in the optimization design of the structures.