No abstract

SUMMARYControl algorithm is one of the most important aspects in successful control of buildings against earthquake. In recent years, because of their capabilities, soft computing methods, stemmed from human brain abilities, have become of particular interest to researchers. In this paper, a wavelet neural network-based semi-active control model is proposed in order to provide accurately computed input voltage to the magneto rheological dampers to generate the optimum control force of structures. This model is optimized by a localized genetic algorithm and then applied to a nine-story benchmark structure subjected to 1.5× El Centro earthquake. The results show an average of 43% reduction of maximum drift in the controlled structure versus the uncontrolled one. The capability of the controller is also validated by applying other far-field and near-field earthquakes. The capability and efficiency of the proposed model are demonstrated in terms of drift, acceleration and base shear reduction. The proposed wavelet neural network is also compared with a tangent hyperbolic-based feed forward neural network, linear quadratic Gaussian, clipped optimal controller, and genetic algorithm-based fuzzy inference systems to show the superiority of the proposed controller.

Increasing bond between bamboo and concrete is one of the important concerns in using bamboo as reinforcement. Concrete cover rupture and bond failure between bamboo and concrete could be considered as two important causes of element rupture.In this paper, bamboo corrugation as a new method has been proposed. Bamboo corrugation is suggested as a mechanism to interlock bamboo and concrete in order to assist the cohesion and skin friction and increase the total bond. Because of remarkable difference between steel shear strength and longitudinal shear strength of bamboo, the interlock mechanism is different. First, the relation between parameters like bamboo longitudinal shear strength, concrete shear strength and the kind of coating or treating of bamboo has been investigated. Then, the proper shape of bamboo corrugation (relation between size, depth and space between dents) will obtain. Using corrugated bamboo strip can improve bond between these two materials even if bamboo strips have not been treated.