Abstract
The work proposes an innovative solution for the reduction of seismic effects on precast reinforced concrete (RC) structures. It is a semi-active control system based on the use of magnetorheological dampers. The special base restraint is remotely and automatically controlled according to a control algorithm, which modifies the dissipative capability of the structure as a function of an instantaneous dynamic response. The aim is that of reducing the base bending moment demand without a significant increase in the top displacement response. A procedure for the optimal calibration of the parameters involved in the control logic is also proposed. Non-linear modelling of a case-study structure has been performed in the OpenSees environment, also involving the specific detailing of a novel variable base restraint. Non-linear time history analyses against natural earthquakes allowed testing of the optimization procedure for the control algorithm parameters, finally the capability of the proposed technology to mitigate seismic risk of new or existing one-story precast RC structures is highlighted.
Highlights
The work proposes an innovative solution for the reduction of seismic effects on precast reinforced concrete (RC) structures
It is a semi-active control system based on the use of magnetorheological dampers
Non-linear time history analyses against natural earthquakes allowed testing of the optimization procedure for the control algorithm parameters, the capability of the proposed technology to mitigate seismic risk of new or existing one-story precast RC structures is highlighted
Summary
The recent seismic events that occurred in Italy, e.g., the 2012 Emilia earthquake [1], caused extensive damage to industrial single-story reinforced concrete (RC) precast buildings. The most common intervention for increasing the seismic safety of existing single-story RC precast buildings, has been the increase of the connections’ strength by mechanical devices [7,8,9,10,11] This intervention was even imposed by the Italian government in the area struck by the Emilia earthquake immediately [12]. The increment of the seismic capacity of the beam-to-column (and beam-toroof tiles) connections often does not significantly increase the seismic capacity of the whole existing single-story RC precast building This is because such intervention generally causes an increase in demand to columns under seismic actions, leading to the development of a plastic hinge at the base or a rigid rotation when foundation issues arise. Nonlinear time-history analyses of the case study are performed to calibrate the control algorithm and to assess the effectiveness of the technique
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