current research topics

Collapse behavior of isolated buildings

While isolation performs outstandingly under design level motions, performance under extreme earthquakes is less well understood. Our group has an continues to work on understanding how design choices affect near-collapse performance. This work has entailed dynamic experimental tests of friction pendulum bearing up to their limits, and numerical incremental dynamic analysis to compare affects of different isolation systems, superstructures, etc.

Modeling updating in hybrid simulation

Hybrid simulation, a method in which a poorly component of the structure is physically tested while the remainder is numerically modeled, has become a promising solution to the costs and physical limitations of large-size tests. However, under extreme loading, the demands and behavior of components class across the structure cannot be represented by the single test. We are working towards enhanced model updating to integrate information into the numerical model as it is learned over the course of the hybrid test.

Inverse structural design through ML

While isolated structures offer enhanced, predicable behavior under typical ground motions, their behavior under extreme motions is complex and may not reach targeted goals as currently outlined in various codes. Therefore, we are working to solve the inverse design problem using Gaussian process surrogate modeling to associate the probability of building limit states with the input design parameters.

Innovative design of steel components

Gusset plates for high seismic regions are designed to allow brace buckling while minimizing damage to the beam or column by having large rotational capacity. This is typically done by allowing for a fold line in the gusset plate. We are working to develop a new approach by defining a fold line through a yield path created by locally weakening the steel through heat treatment.

Full list of publications:

Cheng M, Becker TC, “Performance of Unscented Kalman Filter for Model Updating with Experimental Data.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, 2021, 50(7): 1948-1966.

Darlington RE, Becker TC, “Stiffness of Rubber Bearings Considering Non-Standard Top and Bottom Boundary Conditions,” Journal of Structural Engineering, 2021, 147(7): 04021101.

Yao C, Xu X, Becker TC, Wei Z, “Incorporating Frame Action into Seismic Design of Gusset Plates.” Journal of Structural Engineering, 2021, 147(3): 04021005.

Xu Y, Becker TC, Guo T, “Design Optimization of Triple Friction Pendulums for High-Rise Buildings Considering Both Seismic and Wind Loads.” Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 2021, 142: 106568.

Abdelmaksoud AM, Balomenos GP, Becker TC, “Parameterized Logistic Models for Smarter Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Scheduling.” Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2021, 26(10): 04021072

Najafijozani M, Becker TC, Konstantinidis D, “Evaluating Adaptive Vertical Seismic Isolation for Equipment in Nuclear Power Plants,” Nuclear Engineering and Design, 2020, 358: 110399.

Bao Y, TC Becker, “Three-dimensional Double Friction Pendulum Bearing Model Formulation and Numerical Exam ple,” Engineering Structures, 2019, 199(15): 109579.

Noade B, Becker TC. “Lifetime bridge bearing demands with a probabilistic framework.” Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2019, 24(7): 04019065.

Mohammadi H, Becker TC, Zurob H. “Novel gusset plate design using high strength steel and heat treatment.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 2019, 157: 59-69.

Bao Y, Becker TC. “Effect of design methodology on collapse of friction pendulum isolated moment-resisting and concentrically-braced frames.” Journal of Structural Engineering, 2018, 144(11), 04018203.

Bao Y, Becker TC. “Inelastic response of base-isolated structures subject to impact.” Engineering Structures, 2018, 171: 86-93.

Bao Y, Becker TC, Sone T, Hamaguchi H. “To limit forces or displacements: collapse study of steel frames isolated by sliding bearings with and without restraining rims.” Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 2018, 112: 203-214

Bao Y, Becker TC, Sone T, Hamaguchi H. “Experimental study of the effect of restraining rim design on the extreme behavior of friction pendulum bearings.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, 2018, 47: 906-924. DOI: 10.1002/eqe.2997.

Becker TC, Bao Y, Mahin SA. “Extreme behavior in a triple friction pendulum isolated frame.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, 2017, 46(15): 2683-2698.

Crowder AP, Becker TC. “Experimental investigation of elastomeric isolation bearings with flexible supporting columns” Journal of Structural Engineering, 2017, 143(7): 04017057.

Schellenberg AH, Becker TC, Mahin SA. “Hybrid shake table testing method: theory implementation and application to midlevel isolation.” Structural Control and Health Monitoring, 2017, 24(5): e1915.

Bao Y, Becker TC, Hamaguchi H. “Failure of double friction pendulum bearings under pulse-type motions.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, 2017, 46(5): 715-732.

Becker TC, Ezazi A. “Enhanced performance through a dual isolation seismic protection system.” The Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings, 2016, 21(1): 72-89.

Kurata M, Sato M, Lei Z, Lavan O, Becker T, Nakashima M. “Minimal-disturbance seismic rehabilitation of steel moment-resisting frames using light-weight steel elements.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, 2016, 45(3): 383-400.

Becker TC, Yamamoto S, Hamaguchi H, Higashino M, Nakashima M. “Application of isolation to high-rise buildings: A Japanese design case study through a US design code lens.” Earthquake Spectra. 2015, 31(3): 1451-1470.

Shi Y, Becker TC, Furukawa S, Sato E, Nakashima M. “LQR control with frequency-dependent scheduled gain for a semi-active floor isolation system.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics. 2014, 43(9): 1265-1284.

Shi Y, Becker TC, Kurata M. and Nakashima M. “H∞ control in the frequency domain for a semi-active floor isolation system.” Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering 2013, 7: 264-275.

Becker TC, Mahin SA. “Approximating peak responses in seismically isolated buildings using generalized modal analysis.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics. 2013, 42(12): 1807-1825.

Becker TC, Mahin SA. “Effect of rotation on behavior of triple friction pendulum bearings.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics. 2013, 42(12): 1731-1748.

Furukawa S, Sato E, Shi Y, Becker TC, Nakashima M. “Full-scale shaking table test of a base-isolation medical facility subjected to vertical motions.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics. 2013, 42(13): 1931-1949.

Becker TC, Mahin SA. “Correct treatment of rotation of sliding surfaces in a kinematic model of the triple friction pendulum bearing.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, 2013. 42(2): 311-317.

Becker TC, Mahin SA. “Experimental and analytical study of the bi-directional behavior of the triple friction pendulum isolator.” Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, 2012; 41(3): 355-373.

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