A Decentralized Control Algorithm for Large‐Scale Building Structures

Abstract

Decentralized control strategy is more suitable for structural control of large-scale structural systems as it increases in the feasibility of control implementation and decreases the risk on the failure of the control system compared with the conventional centralized control approach. In this article, a decentralized control algorithm is proposed for large-scale linear building structures. A large-scale building structure is divided into a set of smaller substructures based on its finite element model. Interconnections between adjacent substructures are treated as disturbances to the individual substructure. Each substructure is controlled by its own local controller using linear quadratic Gaussian control scheme with acceleration measurements as feedback signals. A computational procedure is developed for the recursive estimation of the unknown disturbances to each substructure. Two cases, with substructure interface measurement and without substructure interface measurement respectively, are considered. A numerical example of the decentralized control of the 20-story Structural Engineers Association of California (SAC) benchmark linear building under seismic excitation is studied to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that the decentralized control algorithm has quite good control performance compared with the conventional centralized control approach. Therefore, the proposed decentralized control algorithm is viable for structural control of largescale linear structural systems.

Technical Note: Active and Semi-Active Strategies to Control Building Structures Under Large Earthquake Motion

“…Moreover, decentralized controllers depend only on information regarding the local states for control command calculation and therefore, they can be more appealing due to the lower cost of implementing a decentralized communication network. Decentralized strategies have been proposed for large-scale linear building structures using LQG control algorithms [Lei et al, 2012;Wang, 2011]; instantaneous optimal control with limited measurements of structural absolute acceleration responses [Lei et al, 2013]; H ∞ control schemes [Li et al, 2011a;Wang, 2011]; and the Inclusion Principle [Rossell et al, 2013]. Results of these numerical simulations of building structures subjected to earthquake excitation, demonstrate that, in general, the decentralized control algorithm exhibits better control performance compared with the conventional centralized control approach.…”

3D displacement measurement model for health monitoring of structures using a motion capture system

“…In addition, acceleration data are essential for active control of civil structures (Jiang and Adeli 2008a,b;Adeli and Kim 2009;Fisco and Adeli 2011a,b;Bitaraf et al 2012;Lei et al 2012;Aldemir et al 2012). Reduced stiffness resulting from damage to members and loosening of connections can be detected through changes in the structural dynamic response.…”

An advanced fire estimation model for decentralized building control

“…Communications between sub-spaces should be established to handle issues that are globally relevant, namely energy efficiency and the overall safety of the building. The decentralized control method has been developed since the 1970s and used in the field in environments such as power transmission networks, economic systems, space dynamic systems, and for structural control (Lei et al 2012).…”