Structural control technology: system identification and control of flexible structures

Abstract

The main trend in structural technology is to change from conventional earthquake resistant structures, which are designed 'not to collapse even under the strongest earthquake' to structural controlled buildings, which are designed 'to suppress the vibrations itself'. Indications are that control methods will be able to make a genuine contribution to this problem area, which is of great economic and social importance. Current researches in the field of active structural control focus on: system identification, model order reduction, limited control authority, available measurements etc. The article reviews some of the developments in the area of controlled civil structures and highlights a robust control perspective in active vibration suppression control of flexible structures, considering a grey box approach in the system identification process.