Semi-active control systems for seismic protection of structures: a state-of-the-art review

Abstract

As passive structural control systems begin to see an increased acceptance within the earthquake engineering community, strong research efforts have been shifted towards the development of semi-active structural control systems. To place semi-active control systems within a proper frame of reference, this paper begins with a qualitative description and comparison of passive, active, and semi-active control systems for protecting structures subjected to earthquake induced ground motion. A detailed literature review of semi-active control systems is then provided which provides references to both theoretical and experimental research but concentrates on describing the results of experimental work. Specifically, the review focuses on descriptions of the dynamic behavior and distinguishing features of various systems which have been experimentally tested both at the component level and within small-scale structural models. The semi-active systems which are reviewed include stiffness control devices, electrorheological dampers, magnetorheological dampers, friction control devices, fluid viscous dampers, tuned mass dampers and tuned liquid dampers. The review clearly demonstrates that semi-active control devices have the potential for improving the seismic behavior of full-scale civil structures.