Hybrid Simulations: Theory, Applications, and Future Directions

Hybrid simulation is a testing method for examining the seismic response of structures using a hybrid model comprised of both physical and numerical substructures. Because of the unique feature of the method to combine physical testing with numerical simulations, it provides an opportunity to investigate the seismic response of structures in an efficient and economically feasible manner. It is this feature of the method which made it gain widespread use in recent years. This paper presents the theory of the method including an overview of the previous research related to various aspects of the method, an overview of two hybrid simulation applications, and the future directions for transforming the method to its next generation.