This project is to carry out a collaborative research on aseismic hybrid protective systems for tall buildings between The George Washington University (GWU) and the Harbin Architectural and Civil Engineering Institute (HACEI) of China under the US-PRC Protocol for Scientific and Technical Cooperation in Earthquake Studies. Aseismic hybrid protective system consists of a combination of a base isolation system and small active control devices which is most suitable for tall buildings. While many studies have been carried out separately in each area of base isolation system and active control system, there are serious limitations for each individual applications. A hybrid system can be used advantageously to ensure the structural integrity of seismic-excited tall buildings. Theoretical studies will be carried out at GWU for various combinations and configurations of hybrid systems, including different base isolation systems and different small active control devices. Experimental tests will be conducted at HACEI on a scaled model structure mounted on different types of base isolation systems and implemented by small active control devices. Various contol algorithms developed for hybrid systems will be used. Results of experimental tests will be correlated with the corresponding analytical/numerical solutions. Discrepancies in the correlation as well as physical and practical limitations in system design and instrumentation will be investigated. This research has the potential to provide an effective engineering seismic protection system for tall buildings and large structures.
