Empirical multi-degree-of-freedom-generalized minimum variance control for buildings during earthquakes

Abstract

Structural control of a multi-degree-of-freedom building under earthquake excitation is investigated in this paper. The ARMAX model calculation is developed for a linear representation of multi-degree-of-freedom structure. A control approach based on the generalized minimum variance algorithm is developed and presented. This approach is an empirical method to control the story unit regardless of the coupling with other stories. Kanai-Tajimi and Clough–Penzien models are used to generate the seismic excitations. Those models are calculated using the specific soil parameters. In order to test the control strategy performances under real strong earthquakes, the structure has been subjected to EL Cento earthquake. RST controller form shows the stability conditions and the optimality of the control strategy. Simulation tests using a 3DOF structure are performed and show the effectiveness of the control method using of the empirical method.