Probabilistic approach for active control of structures: experimental verification

In our previous study (Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics 2003; 32 :2301), we have developed a probabilistic algorithm for active control of structures. In the probabilistic control algorithm, the control force is determined by the probability that the structural energy exceeds a specified target critical energy, and the direction of a control force is determined by the Lyapunov controller design method. In this paper, an experimental verification of the proposed probabilistic control algorithm is presented. A three‐story test structure equipped with an active mass driver (AMD) has been used. The effectiveness of the control algorithm has been examined by exciting the test structure using a sinusoidal signal, a scaled El Centro earthquake and a broadband Gaussian white noise; and, especially, experiments on control have been performed under different conditions to that of system identification in order to prove the stability and robustness of the proposed control algorithm. The experimental results indicate that the probabilistic control algorithm can achieve a significant response reduction under various types of ground excitations even when the modeling error exists. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

LINEAR QUADRATIC REGULATOR FOR STRUCTURE UNDER ON-LINE PREDICTED FUTURE SEISMIC EXCITATION

A predictive-adaptive (PA) control algorithm has been developed for a structure under a seismic excitation. This algorithm analyses information of an observed seismic excitation, estimates future structural responses and determines the control force for the structure, based on the linear quadratic regulator. That is, at a given moment t_k: (1) seismic excitation information is converted to an autoregressive model, which forms the state equation for the excitation; (2) the identification model is combined with the structural model to build a state equation in an augmented space; (3) the weighted quadratic norm of the state vector and the future control force is formed as a cost function for estimating future responses; (4) the Ricatti equation is solved to find the optimum value of the cost function; and (5) the optimum gain matrix is obtained, and the control force is determined. The PA algorithm is not restricted to one type of control system, but can be applied to both an active driver system and an active tendon system. Its effectiveness is confirmed by numerical experiments for 1DOF and 3DOF structural models under sine and seismic excitations.     

Unsupervised fuzzy neural network structural active pulse controller

Applying active control systems to civil engineering structures subjected to dynamic loading has received increasing interest. This study proposes an active pulse control model, termed unsupervised fuzzy neural network structural active pulse controller (UFN‐SAP controller), for controlling civil engineering structures under dynamic loading. The proposed controller combines an unsupervised neural network classification (UNC) model, an unsupervised fuzzy neural network (UFN) reasoning model, and an active pulse control strategy. The UFN‐SAP controller minimizes structural cumulative responses during earthquakes by applying active pulse control forces determined via the UFN model based on the clusters, classified through the UNC model, with their corresponding control forces. Herein, we assume that the effect of the pulses on structure is delayed until just before the next sampling time so that the control force can be calculated in time, and applied. The UFN‐SAP controller also averts the difficulty of obtaining system parameters for a real structure for the algorithm to allow active structural control. Illustrative examples reveal significant reductions in cumulative structural responses, proving the feasibility of applying the adaptive unsupervised neural network with the fuzzy classification approach to control civil engineering structures under dynamic loading. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于磁流变阻尼器与弹性基础隔震耦合建筑的地震响应分析

为了减少地震时相邻建筑间相互撞击造成严重的结构损坏,运用Lyapunov法作为控制算法进行稳定性分析和控制器设计,对半主动控制以及两种混合控制方案性能进行了对比分析,经过研究发现,混合控制策略在缓解地震响应方面比半主动控制更有效。选取适当的混合控制能够减少支座位移,从而有效防止冲击。另外,通过参数学习发现增加隔震阻尼和强度会导致基础剪力增加和支座位移减小,选择适当的参数值,能够保证响应限定在一定范围内。     

具有地震抑制功能的结构主动控制算法与仿真分析

提出了一种具有地震抑制功能的结构抗震主动控制算法。其特点是设计一组状态反馈控制律，使得闭环结构系统在具有希望极点的同时，还能够减小结构地震输人的影响。首先，在特征结构配置参数化方法的基础上，将该控制问题转化为一个含有约束条件的优化问题；其次，给出了求解该问题的算法及实施步骤，该方法直接基于结构系统原始矩阵，不涉及系统的增广或变换，便于工程应用；最后，对地震作用下三层剪切型Benchmark结构模型进行了仿真分析，结果表明本文所提具有地震干扰抑制功能算法的有效性。     

An off-and-towards-equilibrium strategy for vibrational control of structures

Traditional control strategies have difficulty handling nonlinear behavior of structures, time variable features and parameter uncertainties of structural control systems under seismic excitation. An off-and-towardsequilibrium （OTE） strategy combined with fuzzy control is presented in this paper to overcome these difficulties. According to the OTE strategy, the control force is designed from the viewpoint of a mechanical relationship between the motions of the structure, the exciting force and the control force. The advantage of the OTE strategy is that it can be used for a variety of control systems. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed strategy, the seismic performance of a three-story shear building with an Active Tendon System （ATS） using a Fuzzy Logic Controller （FLC） is studied. The main advantage of the fuzzy controller is its inherent robustness and ability to handle any nonlinear behavior of structures. However, there are no design guidelines to set up the corresponding control rule table for a FLC. Based on the proposed strategy for the FLC, a control rule table associated with the building under study is developed, which then allows formation of a detailed algorithm. The results obtained in this study show that the proposed strategy performs slightly better than the linear quadratic regulator （LQR） strategy, while possessing several advantages over the LQR controller. Consequently, the feasibility and validity of the proposed strategy are verified.     

Predictive optimal control for seismic analysis of non-linear and hysteretic structures

In this paper, an effective active predictive control algorithm is developed for the vibration control of non-linear hysteretic structural systems subjected to earthquake excitation. The non-linear characteristics of the structural behaviour and the effects of time delay in both the measurements and control action are included throughout the entire analysis (design and validation). This is very important since, in current design practice, structures are assumed to behave non-linearly, and time delays induced by sensors and actuator devices are not avoidable. The proposed algorithm focuses on the instantaneous optimal control approach for the development of a control methodology where the non-linearities are brought into the analysis through a non-linear state vector and a non-linear open-loop term. An autoregressive (AR) model is used to predict the earthquake excitation to be considered in the prediction of the structural response. A performance index that is quadratic in the control force and in the predicted non-linear states, with two additional energy related terms, and that is subjected to a non-linear constraint equation, is minimized at every time step. The effectiveness of the proposed closed-open loop non-linear instantaneous optimal prediction control (CONIOPC) strategy is presented by the results of numerical simulations. Since non-linearity and time-delay effects are incorporated in the mathematical model throughout the derivation of the control methodology, good performance and stability of the controlled structural system are guaranteed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Market-based control strategy for long-span structures considering the multi-time delay issue

To solve the different time delays that exist in the control device installed on spatial structures, in this study, discrete analysis using a 2 ^N precise algorithm was selected to solve the multi-time-delay issue for long-span structures based on the market-based control (MBC) method. The concept of interval mixed energy was introduced from computational structural mechanics and optimal control research areas, and it translates the design of the MBC multi-time-delay controller into a solution for the segment matrix. This approach transforms the serial algorithm in time to parallel computing in space, greatly improving the solving efficiency and numerical stability. The designed controller is able to consider the issue of time delay with a linear controlling force combination and is especially effective for large time-delay conditions. A numerical example of a long-span structure was selected to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented controller, and the time delay was found to have a significant impact on the results.     

Control of structural seismic response by self-recurrent neural network (SRNN)

A new paradigm called self-recurrent neural network (SRNN) is proposed. Two SRNNs are utilized in a control system, one as an emulator and the other as a controller. To guarantee convergence and for faster learning, an approach using adaptive learning rate is developed by Lyapunov function. Finally, the neural network control algorithm is developed for on-line control of structural seismic response in real time. Simulation-results have shown that it can effectively control structural seismic response and make it consist with the desired response. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reliability‐based robust control for uncertain dynamical systems using feedback of incomplete noisy response measurements

A reliability‐based output feedback control methodology is presented for controlling the dynamic response of systems that are represented by linear state‐space models. The design criterion is based on a robust failure probability for the system. This criterion provides robustness for the controlled system by considering a probability distribution over a set of possible system models with a stochastic model of the excitation so that robust performance is expected. The control command signal can be calculated using incomplete response measurements at previous time steps without requiring state estimation. Examples of robust structural control using an active mass driver on a shear building model and on a benchmark structure are presented to illustrate the proposed method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Trust-region based instantaneous optimal semi-active control of long-span spatially extended structures with MRF-04K damper

In the field of civil engineering, magnetorheological fluid （MRF） damper-based semi-active control systems have received considerable attention for use in protecting structures from natural hazards such as strong earthquakes and high winds. In this paper, the MRF damper-based semi-active control system is applied to a long-span spatially extended structure and its feasibility is discussed. Meanwhile, a _trust-region method based instantaneous optimal semi-active control algorithm （TIOC） is proposed to improve the performance of the semi-active control system in a multiple damper situation. The proposed TIOC describes the control process as a bounded constraint optimization problem, in which an optimal semi- active control force vector is solved by the trust-region method in every control step to minimize the structural responses. A numerical example of a railway station roof structure installed with MRF-04K dampers is presented. First, a modified Bouc- Wen model is utilized to describe the behavior of the selected MRF-04K damper. Then, two semi-active control systems, including the well-known clipped-optimal controller and the proposed TIOC controller, are considered. Based on the characteristics of the long-span spatially extended structure, the performance of the control system is evaluated under uniform earthquake excitation and travelling-wave excitation with different apparent velocities. The simulation results indicate that the MR fluid damper-based semi-active control systems have the potential to mitigate the responses of full-scale long-span spatially extended structures under earthquake hazards. The superiority of the proposed TIOC controller is demonstrated by comparing its control effectiveness with the clipped-optimal controller for several different cases.     

Optimal hybrid control of structures under earthquake excitation

Optimal control of base-isolated and non-base-isolated buildings subjected to earthquake excitation is considered. The control force at any instant is determined on-line through minimizing a quadratic time-dependent performance index based on the total energy imparted to the structure and the control effect. This control algorithm is based upon the use of discrete actuators and sensors that exert the control force and monitor the response of the building. Having constant gain matrices makes this algorithm efficient and easy to implement. The effect of time delay on the efficiency of the algorithm is investigated. Comparisons have been made to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

双向偏心结构扭转耦联地震反应的序列最优控制

本文分析了不对称建筑结构平移-扭转耦联振动的动力特性及地震作用下的响应;根据地震动输入结构的过程,推导出一种更为一般的最优控制算法,所获得的控制力表达式同时包括地震响应和地震激励。通过对一非规则四层框架结构的扭转耦联地震反应控制分析表明,该算法不仅能有效地控制结构的平移地震反应,而且更有效地抑制结构的扭转耦联地震反应。     

结构可变阻尼半主动控制

本文阐述了结构半主动控制的概念，并介绍了国内外有关结构半主动控制的研究状态，阐述了几种有关结构半主动控制的算法，包括基于经典最优控制的控制律及算法，基于变结构系统理论的滑动模太控制算法和非线性奇次系统的ｂａｎｇ－ｂａｎｇ控制算法。重点阐述了变结构系统理论和滑移面的确定及控制律的设计。     

Optimal control of linear and nonlinear asymmetric structures by means of passive energy dampers

Asymmetric structures experience uneven deformation demand among different resisting planes and stories when subjected to earthquake excitation. Damage is focused in some elements jeopardizing structural integrity. These structures are common in professional practice because of architectural and functionality constraints. In this scenario the use of energy dissipation devices (EDD) has arisen as an advisable solution to balance and minimize structural damage. Procedures for the design of linear structures equipped with EDD have been widely proposed in the literature, few of them deal with the optimum spatial distribution of nonlinear systems. This paper evaluates and compares the optimized spatial damper distribution of linear and nonlinear systems. An optimization technique is presented based on control indexes called min–max algorithm. Then, this technique is compared with two simple methodologies: (i) the fully stressed design, which is an analysis‐redesign procedure, and (ii) the simplified sequential search algorithm (SSSA), which is a sequential method. It is pointed out that the SSSA is a fixed step coordinate descent type method. The examples considered show that the SSSA is a discrete approximation of the min–max algorithm, not only for linear but also for nonlinear structures equipped with linear and nonlinear EDD. Furthermore, it is found that the distribution of EDD obtained from a linear analysis is a good approximation of the nonlinear optimal solution. The SSSA is a reliable method that can be applied to achieve drift and torsional balance for design purposes; moreover, it can be implemented with conventional tools available in professional practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Initial versus tangent stiffness‐based Rayleigh damping in inelastic time history seismic analyses

In the inelastic time history analyses of structures in seismic motion, part of the seismic energy that is imparted to the structure is absorbed by the inelastic structural model, and Rayleigh damping is commonly used in practice as an additional energy dissipation source. It has been acknowledged that Rayleigh damping models lack physical consistency and that, in turn, it must be carefully used to avoid encountering unintended consequences as the appearance of artificial damping. There are concerns raised by the mass proportional part of Rayleigh damping, but they are not considered in this paper. As far as the stiffness proportional part of Rayleigh damping is concerned, either the initial structural stiffness or the updated tangent stiffness can be used. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two types of Rayleigh damping models so that a practitioner (i) can objectively choose the type of Rayleigh damping model that best fits her/his needs and (ii) is provided with useful analytical tools to design Rayleigh damping model with good control on the damping ratios throughout inelastic analysis. To that end, a review of the literature dedicated to Rayleigh damping within these last two decades is first presented; then, practical tools to control the modal damping ratios throughout the time history analysis are developed; a simple example is finally used to illustrate the differences resulting from the use of either initial or tangent stiffness‐based Rayleigh damping model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于特征结构配置的结构鲁棒控制算法及仿真

本文提出了结构系统的鲁棒主动控制算法，其目的是求取状态反馈控制律，在闭环系统具有希望特征值前提下，使得闭环系统特征值关于参数摄动具有最小的灵敏度。基于状态反馈特征结构配置参数化方法和矩阵特征值灵敏度分析理论，该问题转化为含有约束条件的优化问题，并给出了求解该鲁棒控制问题的算法。该方法给出了特征值灵敏度函数的参数化表示，且直接基于结构系统矩阵，故便于工程应用。三自由度层间剪切型结构地震作用下的仿真分析，表明所提方法的有效性。     

Study of a smart platform based on backstepping control method

A structural model is significant for the verification of structural control algorithms. However, for nonlinear behavior, experiments are mostly destructive tests that are costly, and conducting repetitive structural experiments is difficult. Therefore, a repetitive structural vibration model is important for structural vibration control. In this study, a smart platform to realize different structural behaviors is developed based on the backstepping control algorithm. Lyapunov functions are used to derive the control law. Simulations show that the designed model can track the structural responses of different arbitrary linear structures very well. In addition, the proposed platform can track responses of different piecewise linear structures and desired models with various hysteresis very well. Numerical results verify the effectiveness of the proposed tracking controller through the backstepping method for the established platform.     

Semiactive fuzzy control of the seismic response of building frames with MR dampers

A fuzzy‐logic control algorithm, based on the fuzzification of the MR damper characteristics, is presented for the semiactive control of building frames under seismic excitation. The MR damper characteristics are represented by force–velocity and force–displacement curves obtained from the sinusoidal actuation test. The method does not require any analytical model of MR damper characteristics, such as the Bouc‐Wen model, to be incorporated into the control algorithm. The control algorithm has a feedback structure and is implemented by using the fuzzy‐logic and Simulink toolboxes of MATLAB. The performance of the algorithm is studied by using it to control the responses of two example buildings taken from the literature—a three‐storey building frame, in which controlled responses are obtained by clipped‐optimal control and a ten‐storey building frame. The results indicate that the proposed scheme provides nearly the same percentage reduction of responses as that obtained by the clipped‐optimal control with much less control force and much less command voltage. Position of the damper is found to significantly affect the controlled responses of the structure. It is observed that any increase in the damper capacity beyond a saturation level does not improve the performance of the controller. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.