Performance Evaluation of Vibration Controlled Steel Structures under Seismic Loading

The structural engineering community has been making great strides in recent years to develop performance-based earthquake engineering methodologies for both new and existing construction. For structural control to gain viability in the earthquake engineering community, understanding the role of controllers within the context of performance-based engineering is of primary importance. Design of a structure/controller system should involve a thorough understanding of how various types of controllers enhance structural performance, such that the most effective type of controller is selected for the given structure and seismic hazard.

The goal of this research is to evaluate the role of structural control technology in enhancing the overall structural performance under seismic excitations. This study focuses on steel moment resisting frames and three types of possible controllers: (1) friction pendulum base isolation system, FPS (passive); (2) linear viscous brace dampers, VS (passive); (3) and active tendon braces, ATB.