Tracy Becker

Collapse behavior of isolated buildings

While isolation performs outstandingly under design level motions, performance under extreme earthquakes is less well understood. Becker’s research group explores how design choices affect near-collapse performance through dynamic experimental friction tests pendulums bearing up to their limits and numerical incremental dynamic analysis to compare the effects of various isolation systems.

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, this single test cannot represent the demands and behavior of the components’ class across the structure under extreme loading. Becker’s research in this area involves developing an enhanced model update 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, predictable behavior under typical ground motions, their behavior under extreme motions is complex and may not reach targeted goals as currently outlined in various codes. To address this design issue, Becker’s research group uses Gaussian process surrogate modeling to associate the probability of building limit states with the input design parameters.