Abstract:
The concept of hybrid (experimental–numerical) simulation was first introduced by Hakuno et al. in 1969 and has since undergone continuous development. One of the principal strengths of this method lies in its flexibility: critical components of a structural system can be physically tested in the laboratory, while the remainder of the system is modeled numerically. This hybrid approach enables realistic assessment of large and complex systems—such as soil–structure interaction problems—by decomposing them into smaller substructures that can each be analyzed using specialized tools.
To advance this methodology, the University of Toronto developed UT-SIM (www.ut-sim.ca), a generalized simulation framework that integrates diverse experimental specimens with a variety of numerical analysis platforms. UT-SIM supports both component-level and system-level substructuring, allowing researchers to evaluate structural behavior across multiple scales.
This presentation will introduce the UT-SIM framework and showcase its applications to various structural systems subjected to earthquake loading, including self-centering energy-dissipative brace systems, buckling-restrained braced (BRB) frames, special concentrically braced frames, and eccentrically braced frames. In addition, the talk will briefly highlight applications of hybrid simulation to structures exposed to fire and wind loads, demonstrating the broad applicability and impact of this advanced simulation technique.
Bio:
Prof. Oh-Sung Kwon is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering at the University of Toronto, Canada, where he currently serves as Associate Chair for Research. His research focuses on earthquake engineering, with primary interests in multi-platform hybrid (experimental–numerical) simulation of structural systems, seismic soil–structure interaction analysis, and seismic fragility assessment of civil infrastructure using advanced experimental and numerical approaches. Professor Kwon has authored or co-authored more than 250 journal and conference papers in these areas. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, and his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Hanyang University in Korea. He also serves as an Associate Editor of the ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering.
Open to all. Attendees external to Imperial need to register by email.
Time: 1:00 pm