Semi-active control of curved bridge using piezoelectric friction dampers under multi-component multi-support earthquake

Abstract

In order to reduce the bend torsion coupling of seismic response, piezoelectric friction dampers are adopted as semi-active control devices for curved bridges. First, the space finite element model for curved bridge is established, and the piezoelectric friction dampers are placed at the bearing positions of two abutments. Second, the semi-active control equation of motion under multi-component and multi-support earthquake is derived, and different earthquake wave incident angles are considered. Several control algorithms, including passive, semi-active and active methods are compared, and in the end the semi-active limit Hrovat control algorithm is adopted. Finally, an effort is made to investigate the potential influence of multi-component and spatially variability of earthquake ground motion on decreasing amplitude effect of curved bridge using piezoelectric friction dampers. The results indicate that piezoelectric friction dampers are effective in reducing the response of curved bridges under multi-component multi-support earthquake, and semi-active limit Hrovat control algorithm is superior to the simple bang-bang control algorithm and the passive control method. Moreover, it is shown that the control effect of the particular curved bridge under earthquake loading is strongly affected by (a) the accuracy in modeling the properties of the incoming seismic wave field and (b) the curvature and overall irregularity parameters.