Real-time hybrid testing is a method of simulating dynamic structural response by splitting the system being emulated into one or more physical test specimens of key parts, and a numerical model of the remainder. The simulation is achieved by passing data between the physical and numerical parts in real time as the test proceeds. The method has the potential to offer significant improvements in the realism of laboratory simulation of dynamic structural response. This paper gives an overview of the development of hybrid testing within the field of earthquake engineering, and discusses some of the main technical issues such as actuator delay compensation and fast numerical model solution. Some other applications and possible future developments are also briefly discussed
