Hybrid Semi-Active Mass Dampers in Structures; Assessing and Optimising Their Damping Capacity

The paper discusses the “software”-optimisation of a novel, energy-, cost- efficient hybrid semi-active tuned mass damper configuration applicable to earthquake and wind structural vibration mitigation. Namely, an arrangement of both active and semiactive vibration control components coupled with a range of practical-to-use control algorithms are assessed towards an optimal and fail-safe holistic solution. For brevity, the testbed is the simplest sway single-degree-of-freedom structure under harmonic loading. The analysis for the hybrid vibration mitigation device builds on top of previous findings on the effects of control constraints, such as the stroke and force saturation limits, on the effective structural damping performance. The outcome produced is a hyperstable control solution that while waiving the cumbersome requirement for full-state feedback enables superior performance both in terms of response and energy demand. Essentially such an option satisfies both strict serviceability and sustainability requirements that are often found to govern modern structural applications, yielding a practical, reliable option with broad applicability and efficiency.