Background and aim:
Seismic response analysis of structural and geotechnical systems is prevalent in both earthquake engineering research and practice as an increasing emphasis is placed on performance-based earthquake engineering.
Despite this, there is a general lack of validation of these analysis models (and their constituent components), which results in an inability to provide quantitative estimates of the predictive capabilities of different forms of analysis, including uncertainty estimates.
The aim of this cross-TP project is to accelerate the validation of seismic response history analysis models through a systematic improvement in the underpinning research infrastructure that feed into this multi-heirarchial problem.
Specific research thrusts:
1. Experimental inputs to analysis validation: Under the auspices of TP1 (Laboratory Facilities), this thrust will focus on improving the connection between laboratory experimental work and analysis validation. This includes: (i) increasing the frequency of prospective prediction efforts prior to significant laboratory experimental tests ('blind prediction efforts'); and (ii) ensuring that laboratory experimental testing (loading) protocols and instrumentation are consistent with the needs for analysis validation at multiple scales (overall vs. localised response).
2. Field instrumentation and monitoring for analysis validation: Under the auspices of TP2 (Field testing and monitoring), this thrust will focus on improvements in the acquisition and utilization of field instrumentation for analysis validation. This includes: (i) growing the number of NZ-based structural and geotechnical systems which field instrumentation, for both ambient and large-amplitude vibrations, in collaboration with GeoNet; (ii) obtain and collate characterisation information for geotechnical and structural arrays (i.e. site response characterization and building plans, respectively).
3. Collection, curation and utilization of validation datasets: Under the auspices of TP3 (Community data and models), this thrust will focus on the collection, curation and utilization of validation datasets. This includes: (i) working with the DesignSafe-CyberInfrastructure for the storage of experimental and field validation datasets, as well with GeoNet for geotechnical and structural array data; (ii) the development of scripts to improve the ease at which validation datasets can be pulled through to the locations of computational pathways which can be used to undertake validation analyses.
4. Validation of seismic response analysis methods: Under the auspices of TP4 (Computational simulation and data visualisation), this thrust will undertake validation of geotechnical and structural analysis models (and their constitutive components). This includes: (i) developing a multi-tiered heirarchy for validation activities (ranging from simple SDOF models, through to 3D analyses with numerous DOF and advanced constitutive models); (ii) performing validation studies on specific analysis approaches against existing validation data from laboratory and field instrumental array datasets (both NZ and overseas); (iii) quantification of the accuracy and precision (i.e. uncertianties) that different analysis approaches entail as evident through such validation analyses, and how the prediction capability varies as a function of ground motion amplitude (among other parameters).
5. Collaboration with international efforts: This thrust is focused on coordination with international activities in the above four thrust areas.
Project oversight group:
Brendon Bradley (Lead; UC), Ken Elwood (TP1; UA), Liam Wotherspoon (TP2; UA), Nick Horspool (TP3; GNS), Chris McGann (TP4; UC)
Please get in contact with any of the above personnel to express your interest in contributing to this project, all contributions welcome!
Milestones:
- 1 Dec 2016 - Contributions of each technology platform to RAV workplan to be identified
- Feb 2016 (specific date to be finalised) - community workshop to discuss scope, directions, community involvement. To register your interest at this early stage, please email brendon.bradley[at]canterbury.ac.nz