Development of an Integrated Software Framework for Enhanced Hybrid Simulation in Structural Testing

Hybrid simulation integrates numerical and experimental techniques to analyze structural responses under static and dynamic loads. It physically tests components that are not fully characterized while modeling the rest of the structure numerically. Over the past two decades, hybrid testing platforms...

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Main Authors: Gidewon G. Tekeste, António A. Correia, Aníbal G. Costa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:NDT
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2813-477X/3/2/8
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author Gidewon G. Tekeste
António A. Correia
Aníbal G. Costa
author_facet Gidewon G. Tekeste
António A. Correia
Aníbal G. Costa
author_sort Gidewon G. Tekeste
collection DOAJ
description Hybrid simulation integrates numerical and experimental techniques to analyze structural responses under static and dynamic loads. It physically tests components that are not fully characterized while modeling the rest of the structure numerically. Over the past two decades, hybrid testing platforms have become increasingly modular and versatile. This paper presents the development of a robust hybrid testing software framework at the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), Portugal, and evaluates the efficiency of its algorithms. The framework features a LabVIEW-based control and interface application that exchanges data with OpenSees via the OpenFresco middleware using a TCP/IP protocol. Designed for slow to real-time hybrid testing, it employs a predictor–corrector algorithm for motion control, enhanced by an adaptive time series (ATS)-based error tracking and delay compensation algorithm. Its modular design facilitates the integration of new simulation tools. The framework was first assessed through simulated hybrid tests, followed by validation via a hybrid test on a two-bay, one-story steel moment-resisting frame, where one exterior column was physically tested. The results emphasized the importance of the accurate system identification of the physical substructure and the precise calibration of the actuator control and delay compensation algorithms.
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spelling doaj-art-e5968401ecaa4681849ecfd98078b97f2025-08-20T02:21:14ZengMDPI AGNDT2813-477X2025-04-0132810.3390/ndt3020008Development of an Integrated Software Framework for Enhanced Hybrid Simulation in Structural TestingGidewon G. Tekeste0António A. Correia1Aníbal G. Costa2National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), Av. do Brasil 101, 1700-066 Lisbon, PortugalNational Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), Av. do Brasil 101, 1700-066 Lisbon, PortugalUniversity of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, PortugalHybrid simulation integrates numerical and experimental techniques to analyze structural responses under static and dynamic loads. It physically tests components that are not fully characterized while modeling the rest of the structure numerically. Over the past two decades, hybrid testing platforms have become increasingly modular and versatile. This paper presents the development of a robust hybrid testing software framework at the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), Portugal, and evaluates the efficiency of its algorithms. The framework features a LabVIEW-based control and interface application that exchanges data with OpenSees via the OpenFresco middleware using a TCP/IP protocol. Designed for slow to real-time hybrid testing, it employs a predictor–corrector algorithm for motion control, enhanced by an adaptive time series (ATS)-based error tracking and delay compensation algorithm. Its modular design facilitates the integration of new simulation tools. The framework was first assessed through simulated hybrid tests, followed by validation via a hybrid test on a two-bay, one-story steel moment-resisting frame, where one exterior column was physically tested. The results emphasized the importance of the accurate system identification of the physical substructure and the precise calibration of the actuator control and delay compensation algorithms.https://www.mdpi.com/2813-477X/3/2/8hybrid simulationsoftware frameworkOpenFrescoactuator controldelay compensationerror tracking
spellingShingle Gidewon G. Tekeste
António A. Correia
Aníbal G. Costa
Development of an Integrated Software Framework for Enhanced Hybrid Simulation in Structural Testing
NDT
hybrid simulation
software framework
OpenFresco
actuator control
delay compensation
error tracking
title Development of an Integrated Software Framework for Enhanced Hybrid Simulation in Structural Testing
title_full Development of an Integrated Software Framework for Enhanced Hybrid Simulation in Structural Testing
title_fullStr Development of an Integrated Software Framework for Enhanced Hybrid Simulation in Structural Testing
title_full_unstemmed Development of an Integrated Software Framework for Enhanced Hybrid Simulation in Structural Testing
title_short Development of an Integrated Software Framework for Enhanced Hybrid Simulation in Structural Testing
title_sort development of an integrated software framework for enhanced hybrid simulation in structural testing
topic hybrid simulation
software framework
OpenFresco
actuator control
delay compensation
error tracking
url https://www.mdpi.com/2813-477X/3/2/8
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