Optimization of MR Dampers for Wind-Excited Benchmark Tall Building

Abstract

The efficacy of magnetorheological (MR) dampers installed in a benchmark tall building under across-wind loads is investigated. The combined system is expressed as state-space variables, and the building response was obtained numerically. A comparison of semiactive control algorithms applied to the MR dampers installed in the benchmark building is studied. Initially, dampers are installed on every story of the building; later, the locations and numbers of dampers are optimized. This optimization of dampers is carried out along with a parametric study by varying the maximum command voltage for each control algorithm. It is observed that the MR dampers are quite effective at reducing all the performance criteria of the benchmark building. An optimization study of dampers had given an appropriate location of the dampers and reduced the number of dampers. The parametric study of maximum command voltage indicated that, in general, the larger the maximum command voltage, the better the performance of the MR damper.