Structural control of MR-dampers with genetic algorithm-optimized Quasi-Bang-Bang controller

Due to their various promising potential applications in the field of structural control, semi-active control of Magneto-Rheological (MR) dampers has been enjoying significant research focus for more than two decades. In this paper, a new direct voltage control algorithm for the MR damper is proposed to enhance the seismic response of civil structures. The MR dampers are represented using a modified Bouc-Wen model. A mathematical model representing a 3-story frame building with MR dampers at the ground floor in a chevron brace configuration, is used for the simulations. The proposed control law shows a high ability of attenuating structural response (floor accelerations and displacements). Simulations of the structural response under to the El Centro earthquake ground motion, are used to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed control algorithm. The proposed control algorithm performance compares very well against other control algorithms available in the literature given its inherent relative simplicity.