Experimental comparison of control algorithms for semi-active control with magnetorheological dampers

A large scale steel frame equipped with two semi-active bracing systems has been the object of an experimental campaign performed at the Structural Engineering Laboratory of the University of Basilicata in Potenza (Italy) in the framework of the 2005-2008 ReLUIS Executive Project (sponsored by the Italian Department of Civil Protection). It has been tested while driven by 4 different control algorithms: Energy, MHF, Sky Hook and Accel.Reduction, with the aim of pointing out the different properties and effectiveness of any one of them. All of the algorithms are co-located, as they change in real time the dynamical properties of the dampers according to the actual values of measured quantities(displacements, velocities and forces) in the close surroundings of the dampers.