| Abstract: | A sequential procedure based on the concept of degree of controllability is developed for optimally placing active controllers in structures. The optimal locations are selected to be located where the largest structural response occurs. This sequential procedure uses time history analysis to determine these optimal locations, and the effect of each additional controller on the next optimal location is considered in every step of the analysis procedure. Force analogy method (FAM) is used to take into consideration any possible structural inelasticity during earthquakes. Different from conventional methods of inelastic analysis using changing stiffness, FAM varies the structural displacement field, and therefore greatly simplifies the computation. Since only initial stiffness is used in the inelastic analysis, it can be easily incorporated into the optimal linear control algorithm using the state space method. Numerical simulation of a six‐storey frame is performed to demonstrate the simplicity of optimal placement procedure while considering structural inelasticity. Results show that optimal locations determined by the proposed sequential procedure have advantages over other locations in terms of control efficiency, where placement of the controllers in these locations reduces the desired overall structural and energy response most effectively. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
