Application of Hybrid Simulation for Collapse Assessment of Post-Earthquake CFRP-Repaired RC Columns

Hybrid simulation combines the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of computer simulations with the realism of experimental testing to provide a powerful platform for large-scale experimental investigation of the seismic response of structures through collapse. This paper presents applications of hybrid simulation for (1) tracing the seismic response of a limited-ductility reinforced-concrete (RC) column through collapse and (2) evaluating the capability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) repair on rehabilitating the earthquake-damaged RC column to its initial collapse resistance capacity. A state-of-the-art hybrid testing facility, referred to as the multiaxis substructure testing (MAST) system, was used to simulate complex time-varying six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) boundary effects on the physical specimens using mixed load/deformation modes. Based on the experimental results, a comparative collapse risk assessment of the initial and repaired column was conducted, which illustrates the effectiveness of using CFRP repair to restore and improve the collapse resistance of earthquake-damaged RC columns.