This project is to conduct collaborative research on aseismic hybrid control of Bridge structures between the University of California, Irvine (UCI), and the Public Works Research Institute (PWRI), Ministry of Construction, Japan. The main objective is to carry out in-depth theoretical/numerical studies of aseismic hybrid control systems for bridge structures. In particular, control algorithms will be developed for various types of hybrid control systems currently being developed at PWRI. These hybrid control systems for bridge structures include variable viscous dampers, variable stiffness control devices, active sliding isolation systems, active base isolation systems, etc. Hybrid control systems, which consist of a combination of passive and active control devices have been shown to be more effective and practical in reducing the response of long-span bridge structures subjected to strong earthquakes. Aseismic hybrid control systems are often highly nonlinear (such as active sliding systems and variable stiffness devices) inelastic, (such as active rubber-bearing isolation systems) or time-variant (such as variable viscous dampers). Research efforts are needed to develop control algorithms which could be incorporated into computer/processor and control hardware for aseismic hybrid control of bridge structures. Theoretical studies will be carried out at UCI, whereas hardware developments and experimental tests will be conducted at PWRI. Various control algorithms developed at UCI will be used in the experimental tests. Results of the experimental tests obtained at PWRI will be correlated with the corresponding theoretical/ numerical solutions obtained at UCI. Discrepancies between experimental and theoretical results will be examined, investigated and corrected.
