Internet-based collaborative pseudo-dynamic testing of multi-span bridge structure

Abstract

In this paper, the first Internet-based collaborative pseudo-dynamic testing of a multi-span bridge system in mainland China is presented in detail, which has been carried out by the collaboration of Hunan University (HNU), Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) and Tsinghua University (TU) in mainland China, and the University of Southern California (USC) in the USA. The prototype system of Russion River Bridge at Southern California in America is illustrated. Different testing specimens, testing equipments and substructure boundary conditions at HNU and HIT laboratories are described. A network protocol platform for collaborative pseudo-dynamic testing, called NetSLab, and some function modules developed on the use of its standardized interface are introduced. Aiming at the MTS system widely used in structural testing, two approaches are presented to implement the communication interface between NetSLab and testing equipment, respectively, studied by HNU and HIT. The integrated networked testing system and collaborative testing procedures are presented. The testing results manifest that the networked collaborative testing system with powerful capability provides a testing platform with good coordination for complex models or actual structures, and achieves remote sharing of testing equipments.