Real-time hybrid simulation of a complex bridge model with MR dampers using the convolution integral method

Abstract

Magneto-rheological (MR) fluid dampers can be used to reduce the traffic induced vibration in highway bridges and protect critical structural components from fatigue. Experimental verification is needed to verify the applicability of the MR dampers for this purpose. Real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS), where the MR dampers are physically tested and dynamically linked to a numerical model of the highway bridge and truck traffic, provides an efficient and effective means to experimentally examine the efficacy of MR dampers for fatigue protection of highway bridges. In this paper a complex highway bridge model with 263 178 degrees-of-freedom under truck loading is tested using the proposed convolution integral (CI) method of RTHS for a semiactive structural control strategy employing two large-scale 200 kN MR dampers. The formation of RTHS using the CI method is first presented, followed by details of the various components in the RTHS and a description of the implementation of the CI method for this particular test. The experimental results confirm the practicability of the CI method for conducting RTHS of complex systems.

Semi-Active Control Systems in Bridge Engineering: A Review of the Current State of Practice

“…deck displacements and accelerations, pier forces) compared to the uncontrolled (i.e. passive) state and/or focusing on specific research objectives, such as response under near-fault earthquakes [38][39][40] , pounding effects 36,40 , real time hybrid testing 41 , development of control algorithms [42][43][44] , and so on.…”

Hybrid simulation of a multi‐span RC viaduct with plain bars and sliding bearings

“…Non‐iterative monolithic and partitioned time integration algorithms have been devised and applied to deal with increased DOFs or nonlinear NS . Moreover, magnetorheological (MR) dampers have been tested with HS and the adoption of the convolution integral method applied to decks , without considering any stability issue of the coupled system, and software platforms and communication protocols have been implemented for multi‐pier bridge HS . However, HS with nonlinear NS is very challenging and requires advanced numerical techniques .…”

Parametric inverse impulse response based on reduced order modeling and randomized excitations

“…Real-time estimation of dynamic forces is of great importance in many engineering applications. For instance, in hybrid laboratories [1,23] combine experimentation in the part of the system where complex (i.e. not wellestablished) physics happen, and simulation where models can be trusted.…”

“…Many practical applications impose a real-time performance constraint which is not always easy to meet, especially when simple dynamical models, such as concentrated parameters models, cannot be assumed. Hybrid laboratories [1,23] or soft robotics [13,33] are two examples of new industrial applications which require continuum mechanics modeling in order to describe both deformation and forces properly. These usually result in large-scale computer models which are most likely incompatible with the real-time constraint.…”