Friction‐Controllable Sliding Isolation System

Abstract

This paper describes the experimental and analytical study of a friction‐controllable sliding base isolation system. To overcome the problems associated with conventional passive sliding isolation systems that have hindered their practical effectiveness, a hybrid sliding base isolation system is developed using friction‐controllable bearings. This innovative hybrid system uses a variable friction force that is computer controlled by changing the pressure in the fluid chamber of the bearing. The variable friction force makes the sliding isolation system more effective in controlling the structural response under earthquakes with a broad range of intensity. A prototype hybrid sliding isolation system is physically developed and tested on a shaking table using a structural model equipped with this system. Control algorithms specially developed for controlling the frictional force that has an inherent nonlinear feature are used in this study, and their effectiveness is verified. Simulation of structural response under passive or hybrid control technique shows good agreement with the experimental results.