On the controllability and observability of intelligent infrastructure systems

Intelligent infrastructure systems require the installation and operation of large suites of sensors and actuators. Implicit in the design of these suites is a tradeoff between hardware complexity and functionality, which can be described in terms of the degrees of controllability and observability. Schmittendorf´s degree-calculation algorithms are a possible tool for intelligent infrastructure design. An array of single-degree-of-freedom mass-spring modules and a one-dimensional model of a multi-story building with passive tuned-mass dampers are used as examples to illustrate these concepts