Upgrade of NEES Real-time Multidirectional Earthquake Simulation System to Enhance 3-D Testing Capabilities

Lehigh University, Bethlehem PA

Investigators

Abstract

This award provides funding for Lehigh University to purchase advanced instrumentation and to perform associated work for the George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) - Real-time Multidirectional (RTMD) Earthquake Simulation System facility that will be operated by NEES Consortium, Inc., as a national shared use facility during FY 2005 - FY 2014. This funding is provided for requested equipment that will upgrade the RTMD earthquake simulation facility in several ways: (1) more complex 3-D tests can be performed which require 6 dynamic degrees of freedom; (2) the maximum velocity of an actuator will be twice that of the current actuators (i.e., increasing from 1000 mm/sec to 2420 mm/sec); (3) accurate dynamic measurements can be obtained using sensors with dynamic measuring capabilities; (4) the data acquisition will be easier to use, by enabling programmable calibration; (5) development of new testing algorithms and servo-hydraulic control laws can be more accurately verified before hydraulic power is turned on; (6) training of shared users will be enhanced by the use of hydraulic off mode software, enabling the features of the control system architecture to be illustrated through simulation; and (7) Metadata will be more conveniently and accurately obtained and documented. The requested equipment, includes: dynamic actuator; servo valve; hydraulic service manifold; control system modifications to the existing controller to enable a 6th degree of freedom; hydraulic actuator hoses; instrumentation and instrumentation cabling and rack system; actuator hydraulics off mode software; DAS programmable calibration reference and maintenance software; and digitalizing equipment to collect and catalog Metadata for experiments to be performed in the RTMD facility.