Hybrid simulation is an economical structural testing technique in which the critical part of the structure expected to respond in the inelastic range is tested physically whereas the rest of the structure is modelled numerically using a finite element analysis program. This paper describes the application of hybrid simulation for steel I-shaped columns in Multi-Tiered Braced Frame (MT-BFs) structures. A full-scale W250x101 column part of a two-tiered concentrically braced frame was physically tested while the rest of the frame was numerically analysed using the OpenSees finite element program. The development and main challenges of the hybrid simulation are first described and the main findings of the hybrid simulation are then presented. The test results show that the testing technique is an effective experimental tool to generate reliable data on column stability limit states. Furthermore, the results from the hybrid simulation confirmed the findings of previous numerical simulations to assess the seismic response of columns in steel braced frames.

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Hybrid simulation is an economical structural testing technique in which the critical part of the structure expected to respond in the inelastic range is tested physically whereas the rest of the structure is modelled numerically using a finite element analysis program. The article describes the development of a computational model for the hybrid simulation of the seismic collapse of a steel two-tiered braced frame structure due to column buckling. The column stability response in multi-tiered braced frames is first presented using a pure numerical model of the braced frame studied. The development of the hybrid simulation computational model is then discussed. Effects of initial out-of-straightness imperfections and axial stiffness, P-Delta analysis approach, and gravity analysis technique on the hybrid simulation results are evaluated using a numerical hybrid simulation model. Finally, the results of a continuous pseudo-dynamic hybrid simulation of the seismic response of the steel multi-tiered concentrically braced frame are presented. The test showed that failure of columns by instability is a possibility and can lead to collapse of multi-tiered braced frames, as was predicted by numerical analysis. Furthermore, suitable modeling methods are proposed for hybrid simulation of steel braced frame structures.