Full‐Scale Implementation of Active Control. I: Design and Simulation

Abstract

An active bracing system has been designed and fabricated for implementation to a full‐scale dedicated test structure for structural response control under seismic loads. Presented in this paper, the first part of a two‐part series, are the design of the active system, control algorithm development, and simulated control results under design earthquakes. Detailed design and analysis of the active system are carried out with respect to hardware development, control force constraints, and power and energy requirements. It is shown that a full‐scale efficient active structural control system can be developed within limits of current technology. Simulation results provide information on performance bounds that can be expected of active systems in structural control under seismic loads and under constraints imposed by practical considerations. The installation and observed performance of the system under actual ground motions will be the subject of the second paper in this series.