Experimental study on viscoelastic dampers for structural seismic response control using a user-programmable hybrid simulation platform

• Published in: Engineering structures 2020-08, Vol.216, p.1, Article 110710
• Main Authors: Dong, Yao-Rong, Xu, Zhao-Dong, Guo, Ying-Qing, Xu, Ye-Shou, Chen, Shi, Li, Qiang-Qiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computer simulation; Earthquake dampers; Equilibrium equations; Equivalent force equilibrium equation; Experimental research; Mathematical model; Mechanical properties; Nonlinear systems; Parameter identification; Reliability analysis; Robustness (mathematics); Seismic activity; Seismic response; Seismic response control; Seismic stability; Seismic waves; Simulation; Substructures; User-programmable hybrid simulation platform; Viscoelastically damped structures; Viscoelasticity
• ISSN: 0141-0296; 1873-7323
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2020.110710

•A user-programmable hybrid simulation platform is established.•The methods for solving equation for viscoelastically damped structures are proposed.•The reliability of the hybrid simulation platform to test nonlinear systems is verified.•A series of hybrid simulation experiments for viscoelastically damped structures are implemented. To truly reflect the influence on structural seismic response control using viscoelastic dampers with strong nonlinear properties and reduce the cost and difficulty of experimental research, a new user-programmable hybrid simulation platform is developed. The core implementation details of this platform, including the core architecture, software system, and testing setup, are described. To better realize accuracy and stability of the hybrid simulation experiment, methods for solving the equivalent force equilibrium equation for hybrid simulation experiments on viscoelastically damped structures are proposed. Then, the mechanical properties of the experimental substructure (viscoelastic damper) are tested under different temperatures, amplitudes and frequencies, and the mathematical model parameters of the experimental substructure are identified. A seismic response comparison of viscoelastically damped structures obtained by the hybrid simulation experiment and the time history analysis verifies the robustness and reliability of the hybrid simulation platform to test nonlinear systems. Lastly, a series of hybrid simulation experiments for viscoelastically damped structures under different temperatures, seismic intensities and seismic waves are implemented using this hybrid simulation platform for the first time. The experimental results reveal the influence on structural seismic response control by viscoelastic damper under different temperatures, seismic intensities and seismic waves.