Technology transfer
Description
During the last two decades, the PsD method has increasingly been used for seismic testing of structures. In fact the possibility of testing large-scale constructions or substructures is a clear advantage with respect to shaking table testing. Testing large specimens or sub-assemblages in laboratory represents of course a way to complement the lessons obtained from the behaviour of real constructions during natural earthquakes. The technology presented here benefit of the last developments achieved at the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (ELSA) which has substantially contributed to the advancement of the PsD testing methodology thanks to a proper in-house design of hardware and software in with high accuracy sensors and devices are used under a flexible system architecture with a fast interconnection among the servo- controllers.
- Bi-axial PsD test of a 3-storey asymmetric RC structure
The "Pseudo Dynamic Control System" is a complete package (comprehensive of software and hardware) designed to perform conventional or continuous pseudo- dynamic (PsD) testing of large-scale civil structures. Its capabilities include global testing , testing with substructuring as well as complex cyclic testing.
The "PsD control system software" is especially designed to control multi- actuator experiments and to conduct hybrid tests with substructuring that may be distributed in several laboratories. It covers the most advanced technologies in development for on-line testing including the capability to perform Continuous PsD tests with sub-structuring, at high speed and with tele-presence functionalities.
The software includes also many capabilities necessary to perform remote control from an external MS-Windows Workstation as well as to manage data acquisition and data repository on a large database.
Besides its specific features dedicated to earthquake engineering , its high capabilities to carry out Continuous PsD tests and its whole package can be used as well for other applications and it is particularly well suited in many multi- actuator configurations such as cyclic and fatigue tests or structural control engineering to assess the behaviour of protection devices.
As a difference with respect to other existing control systems developed by the Industry, the product developed by ELSA has been created for research applications, in which maximum performance and flexibility are needed at the same time. The success in these two aspects has moved already several laboratories in Europe to its adoption and to the contribution to its further development by adding new testing algorithms programmed by the users.
Innovative aspects and main advantages
- Accuracy, Performance, Real time capabilities, effectiveness/cost
- Testing algorthms programmable by the user make of this system a unique tool for development and research
- Includes Internet based telepresence and remote control capabilities.
Areas of application
- Civil engineering and mechanical departments of Universities and other research centres equipped with structural testing facilities.
- Automotive and Aerospace (hydraulic actuators)
Stage of development
- Copy right registered
- Excluisive licensed in laboratory field (until Dec. 2008)