A robust nonlinear semi-active control for base seismically-isolated structures

This paper proposes a robust nonlinear semi-active control for base seismically-isolated structures. The control is based upon an extension of works of Leitmann et al. on the stabilization of nonlinear systems with uncertain models. For usual models of structure dynamics it is shown that applying a specific control law drives the state variables into a ball of specified radius in finite time. The radius of the ball may be arbitrarily chosen as long as it is not lower than a limiting value. In addition, estimates of this limiting ball radius is provided. The time to reach the ball is also provided. The semi-active control thus provides the control designer with interesting design parameters. The efficacy of proposed semi-active control is illustrated by its application to simple models of structures focusing in particular to the attenuation of excitation transmitted from floor to equipment mounted on them.