MODELING AND SIMULATION OF A SEMI-ACTIVE BASE ISOLATION SYSTEM FOR EARTHQUAKE HAZARD MITIGATION

Abstract eng:
An analytical and numerical study of a base-isolated steel frame building subjected to earthquake excitation is presented in this paper. The isolation system consists of elastomeric bearings combined with semi-active dampers. Mathematical models of the isolation system components are developed using data from experimental system identification testing. The mechanical properties of the dampers are modulated based on an optimal control algorithm which was developed to effectively suppress vibrations of the structural system when subjected to various earthquake ground excitations. Numerical simulations are performed using historical earthquake records to evaluate the dynamic response of the structure and the isolation system when different damping mechanisms (passive, semi-active, and active) are incorporated within the isolation system. The numerical simulations demonstrate that semi-active damping is effective in simultaneously controlling the response of the structure and the isolation system. Such control appears to be particularly applicable to structures subjected to disparate ground motions such as frequent, weak earthquakes versus infrequent, strong earthquakes or far-field versus near-field earthquakes.

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