Network system for a transnational collaborative pseudodynamic experiment on a DSCFT-pier bridge system

This paper introduces the latest updates of a platform named ISEE (Internet-based Simulation for Earthquake Engineering) and its application on a Taiwan-Canada transnational collaborative pseudo-dynamic experiment of a multiple-span bridge system. Three reduce-scale Double-Skinned Concrete-Filled Tube (DSCFT) pier specimens are located at laboratories at the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering (NCREE), National Taiwan University (NTU), and Carleton University (CU), respectively. A Command Generation Module (CGM), based on an extended OpenSees platform is employed for simulation of different ground motion events in the experiment. Laboratory dependent Facility Controlling Modules (FCMs) are developed and installed at all laboratories, transferring controlling commands generated by a CGM to the hydraulic actuator controllers. The ISEE Data Center gathers and shares experimental data with CGM and FCMs. Video Modules transfer real-time video streams from laboratories to Internet. Remotely controlled Camera Modules take high resolution specimen photos, automatically after FCMs complete displacement controlling commands of each time step. Visualization Modules generates 2D plots of experimental data and comparisons of experimental and numerical analysis data, and presents these generated figures on the web page in real-time. The above ISEE components communicate through Internet. Researchers and guests may witness or observe the experiment progress through widely used Web browsers, such as Internet Explorer 6, Netscape 6 or FireFox, without need to install additional programs for viewers' convenience. The numerical model in the CGM and the preliminary numerical simulation of the bridge responses are also introduced in this paper. The networked experiment is scheduled in November and December, 2005.