Response Modification of Highway Bridge Benchmark Structure Using Supervisory Fuzzy Control of Smart Seismic Isolation System

Abstract

This paper presents an application of fuzzy logic for response modification of the seismically excited highway bridge benchmark problem. The benchmark problem consists of a three-dimensional, nonlinear model of an isolated two-span continuous prestressed concrete box-girder bridge. The isolation system consists of lead-core rubber seismic isolation bearings combined with semi-active viscous fluid dampers positioned between the bridge deck and end abutments. The dynamics of the semi-active dampers are accounted for via neuro-fuzzy models developed as part of a recent experimental study. The degree of seismic response modification is evaluated via numerical simulations using a supervisory fuzzy logic controller and comparisons are made with respect to sample controllers provided in the benchmark problem statement. The results of this study demonstrate that the supervisory fuzzy logic control algorithm combined with semi-active dampers can offer an effective approach to response modification of seismically isolated highway bridge structures.