A modified Kelvin impact model for pounding simulation of base-isolated building with adjacent structures

Base isolation can effectively reduce the seismic forces on a superstructure, particularly in lowto medium-rise buildings. However, under strong near-fault ground motions, pounding may occur at the isolation level between the baseisolated building （BIB） and its surrounding retaining walls. To effectively investigate the behavior of the BIB pounding with adjacent structures, after assessing some commonly used impact models, a modified Kelvin impact model is proposed in this paper. Relevant parameters in the modified Kelvin model are theoretically derived and numerically verified through a simple pounding case. At the same time, inelasticity of the isolated superstructure is introduced in order to accurately evaluate the potential damage to the superstructure caused by the pounding of the BIB with adjacent structures. The reliability of the modified Kelvin impact model is validated through numerical comparisons with other impact models. However, the difference between the numerical results from the various impact analytical models is not significant. Many numerical simulations of BIBs are conducted to investigate the influence of various design parameters and conditions on the peak inter-story drifts and floor accelerations during pounding. It is shown that pounding can substantially increase floor accelerations, especially at the ground floor where impacts occur. Higher modes of vibration are excited during poundings, increasing the inter-story drifts instead of keeping a nearly rigid-body motion of the superstructure. Furthermore, higher ductility demands can be imposed on lower floors of the superstructure. Moreover, impact stiffness seems to play a significant role in the acceleration response at the isolation level and the inter-story drifts of lower floors of the superstructure. Finally, the numerical results show that excessive flexibility of the isolation system used to minimize the floor accelerations may cause the BIB to be more susceptible to pounding under a limited seismic gap.

Seismic Responses of Asymmetric Base-Isolated Structures under Near-Fault Ground Motion

An inter-story shear model of asymmetric base-isolated structures incorporating deformation of each isolation bearing was built, and a method to simultaneously simulate bi-directional near-fault and far-field ground motions was proposed. A comparative study on the dynamic responses of asymmetric base-isolated structures under near-fault and far-field ground motions were conducted to investigate the effects of eccentricity in the isolation system and in the superstructures, the ratio of the uncoupled torsional to lateral frequency of the superstructure and the pulse period of near-fault ground motions on the nonlinear seismic response of asymmetric base-isolated structures. Numerical results show that eccentricity in the isolation system makes asymmetric base-isolated structure more sensitive to near-fault ground motions, and the pulse period of near-fault ground motions plays an import role in governing the seismic responses of asymmetric base-isolated structures.

Sliding Mode Variable Structure Control for Visual Servoing System

A visual servoing tracking controller is proposed based on the sliding mode control theory in order to achieve strong robustness against parameter variations and external disturbances. A sliding plane with time delay compensation is presented by the pre-estimate of states. To reduce the chattering of the sliding mode controller, a modified exponential reaching law and hyperbolic tangent function are applied to the design of visual controller and robot joint controller. Simulation results show that the visual servoing control scheme is robust and has good tracking performance.

Variable structure control with sliding mode prediction for discrete-time nonlinear systems

A new variable structure control algorithm based on sliding mode prediction for a class of discrete-time nonlinear systems is presented. By employing a special model to predict future sliding mode value, and combining feedback correction and receding horizon optimization methods which are extensively applied on predictive control strategy, a discrete-time variable structure control law is constructed. The closed-loop systems are proved to have robustness to uncertainties with unspecified boundaries. Numerical simulation and pendulum experiment results illustrate that the closed-loop systems possess desired performance, such as strong robustness, fast convergence and chattering elimination.

Adaptive base-isolation of civil structures using variable amplification

Semi-active dampers are used in base-isolation to reduce the seismic response of civil engineering structures. In the present study, a new semi-active damping system using variable amplification will be investigated for adaptive baseisolation. It uses a novel variable amplification device （VAD） connected in series with a passive damper. The VAD is capable of producing multiple amplification factors, each corresponding to a different amplification state. Forces from the damper are amplified to the structure according to the current amplification state, which is selected via a semi-active control algorithm specifically tailored to the system＇s tmique damping characteristics. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the VAD-damper system for adaptive base-isolation, numerical simulations are conducted for three and seven-story base-isolated buildings subject to both far and near-field ground motions. The results indicate that the system can achieve significant reductions in response compared to the base-isolated buildings with no damper. The proposed system is also found to perform well compared to a typical semi-active damper.

Optimal variable structure control with sliding modes for unstable processes

In this work,a variable structure control(VSC)technique is proposed to achieve satisfactory robustness for unstable processes.Optimal values of unknown parameters of VSC are obtained using Whale optimization algorithm which was recently reported in literature.Stability analysis has been done to verify the suitability of the proposed structure for industrial processes.The proposed control strategy is applied to three different types of unstable processes including non-minimum phase and nonlinear systems.A comparative study ensures that the proposed scheme gives superior performance over the recently reported VSC system.Furthermore,the proposed method gives satisfactory results for a cart inverted pendulum system in the presence of external disturbance and noise.

Nanoscale Reciprocating Sliding Contacts of Textured Surfaces:Influence of Structure Parameters and Indentation Depth

Textured surfaces are widely used in engineering components as they can improve tribological properties of sliding contacts, while the detailed behaviors of nanoscale reciprocating sliding contacts of textured surfaces are still lack of study. By using multiscale method, two dimensional nanoscale reciprocating sliding contacts of textured surfaces are investigated. The influence of indentation depth, texture shape, texture spacing, and tip radius on the average friction forces and the running-in stages is studied. The results show that the lowest indentation depth can make all the four textured surfaces reach steady state. Surfaces with right-angled trapezoid textures on the right side are better for reducing the running-in stage, and surfaces with right-angled trapezoid textures on the left side are better to reduce wear. Compared with other textured surfaces, the total average friction forces can be reduced by 82.94%–91.49% for the case of the contact between the tip with radius R = 60rand the isosceles trapezoid textured surface. Besides,the total average friction forces increase with the tip radii due to that bigger tip will induce higher contact areas. This research proposes a detailed study on nanoscale reciprocating sliding contacts of textured surfaces, to contribute to design textured surfaces, reduce friction and wear.

Modified methods of designing sliding surface in variable structure systems

This paper presents two modified methods of designing sliding surface in variable structure systems based on the mathematical equation established for the relationship between the steady state error of the system and the slope of the sliding surface. Replacing the switching function with the saturation function in the control signal, the methods can not only reduce the system steady state error, but also smooth chatterring in the variable structure systems.

Coordinating optimization-based sliding mode variable structure control for electro-hydraulic servo system

A sliding mode variable structure control （SMVSC） based on a coordinating optimization algorithm has been developed. Steady state error and control switching frequency are used to constitute the system performance indexes in the coordinating optimization, while the tuning rate of boundary layer width （BLW） is employed as the optimization parameter. Based on the mathematical relationship between the BLW and steady-state error, an optimized BLW tuning rate is added to the nonlinear control term of SMVSC. Simulation experiment results applied to the positioning control of an electro-hydraulic servo system show the comprehensive superiority in dynamical and static state performance by using the proposed controller is better than that by using SMVSC without optimized BLW tuning rate. This succeeds in coordinately considering both chattering reduction and high-precision control realization in SMVSC.

A Novel Genetic Algorithm and Its Application in Variable Structure Control of Robot

A novel genetic algorithm (NGA) is proposed, which possesses micro-regulation and renascence operation. The optimized variable searching interval is regulated gradually according to the sub-group of excellent individuals. The NGA is used to optimize the parameters of the variable structure control (VSC), which satisfies the new reaching law and sliding mode. It is used in robot control systems. Simulation results are given.

Dynamic Responses Analysis of a Building Structure Subjected to Ground Shock from a Tunnel Explosion

Dynamic responses of a multi-storey building without or with a sliding base-isolation device for ground shock induced by an in-tunnel explosion are numerically analyzed. The effect of an adjacent tunnel in between the building and the explosion tunnel, which affects ground shock propagation , is considered in the analysis. Different modeling methods, such as the eight-node equal-parametric finite element and mass-lumped system, are used to establish the coupling model consisting of the two adjacent tunnels, the surrounding soil medium with the Lysmer viscous boundary condition, and the multi-storey building with or without the sliding base-isolation device. In numerical calculations , a continuous friction model, which is different from the traditional Coulomb friction model, is adopted to improve the computational efficiency and reduce the accumulated errors. Some example analyses are subsequently performed to study the response characteristics of the building and the sliding base-isolation device to ground shock. The effect of the adjacent tunnel in between the building and the explosion tunnel on the ground shock wave propagation is also investigated. The final conclusions based on the numerical results will provide some guidance in engineering practice.

Sliding surface searching method for slopes containing a potential weak structural surface

Weak structural surface is one of the key factors controlling the stability of slopes. The stability of rock slopes is in general concerned with set of discontinuities. However, in soft rocks, failure can occur along surfaces approaching to a circular failure surface. To better understand the position of potential sliding surface, a new method called simplex-finite stochastic tracking method is proposed. This method basically divides sliding surface into two parts： one is described by smooth curve obtained by random searching, the other one is po｜yline formed by the weak structural surface. Single or multiple sliding surfaces can be considered, and consequently several types of combined sliding surfaces can be simu- lated. The paper will adopt the arc-polyline to simulate potential sliding surface and analyze the searching process of sliding surface. Accordingly, software for slope stability analysis using this method was developed and applied in real cases. The results show that, using simplex-finite stochastic tracking method, it is possible to locate the position of a potential sliding surface in the slope.

Decentralized Variable Structure Control of Complex Giant Singular Uncertainty Systems

This paper, at the first time, considers the problem of decentralized variable structure control of complex giant singular uncertainty systems by using the property of diagonally dominant matrix and Frobenius-Person theorem. The splendid selection of switching manifold for each subsystem makes the design relatively straightforward and can be easily realized. An illustrate example is given.

Simple Method for Dynamic Responses of Soil-Pile-Isolated Structure Interaction System

To investigate the effect of soil-pile-structure interaction(SPSI effect)on the dynamic response of a baseisolated structure with buried footings on a pile foundation,certain shake table tests are previously conducted.Based on the test results and the existing related studies,an efficient simplified model and a corresponding calculation method are verified for estimating the dynamic characteristics of a base-isolated structure with buried footings on a pile foundation with the SSI effect.In this method,the solutions by Veletsos and co-workers for a non-isolated structure with the SSI effect are verified and advanced for a base-isolated structure,and the solutions by Maravas and co-workers for a non-isolated structure on a pile foundation are introduced to consider the effect of the piles.By comparison with the shake table test,this work proves that the simplified method can efficiently estimate the dynamic responses of a base-isolated structure with buried footings on a pile foundation.Using parameter analysis,this work also shows that the dynamic characteristics of a non-isolated structure are quite similar to those of the base-isolated structure when the soil foundation is sufficiently soft,which means that the isolation layer gradually loses its isolation function as the soil foundation softens.

Seismic performance of two-story subway station structures with different isolating systems

When the sliding bearing is fixed only at the top of the middle column of the underground structure,the cracks at the side end of the middle plate should be aggravated while the seismic damage of the mid-column should be alleviated.To enhance the seismic performance of the mid-plate,a new isolation design method has been mentioned while the elastic sliding bearings are set at the top of the mid-columns and between the side end of the mid-plate and the side wall at the same time.By establishing a nonlinear finite element analysis model for the static-dynamic coupling interaction system,the seismic response characteristics of the cast-in-place station structure without a sliding bearing have been analyzed and compared with those of the station structure with the sliding bearing fixed only at the top of the middle columns,and those of the station structure with sliding bearing be fixed between the mid-plate and the sidewall at the same time.The results show that the new isolation station structures suffer fewer earthquake damages at the mid-plate and mid-columns at the same time,which can improve the overall seismic performance of the subway station structure.

The Seismic Induced Soft Sediment Deformation Structures in the Middle Jurassic of Western Qaidamu Basin

Intervals of soft-sediment deformation structures are well-exposed in Jurassic lacustrine deposits in the western Qaidamu basin. Through field observation, many soft-sediment deformation structures can be identified, such as convoluted bedding, liquefied sand veins, load and flame structures, slump structures and sliding-overlapping structures. Based on their genesis, soft-sediment deformation structures can be classified as three types： seismic induced structures, vertical loading structures, and horizontal shear structures. Based on their geometry and genesis analysis, they are seismic-induced structures. According to the characteristics of convoluted bedding structures and liquefied sand veins, it can be inferred that there were earthquakes greater than magnitude 6 in the study area during the middle Jurassic. Furthermore, the study of the slump structures and sliding- overlapping structures indicates that there was a southeastern slope during the middle Jurassic. Since the distance from the study area to the Altyn Mountain and the Altyn fault is no more than 10km, it can be also inferred that the Altyn Mountain existed then and that the AItyn strike-slip fault was active during the middle Jurassic.

Approximation law for discrete-time variable structure control systems

Two approximation laws of sliding mode for discrete-time variable structure control systems are proposed to overcome the limitations of the exponential approximation law and the variable rate approximation law. By applying the proposed approximation laws of sliding mode to discrete-time variable structure control systems, the stability of origin can be guaranteed, and the chattering along the switching surface caused by discrete-time variable structure control can be restrained effectively. In designing of approximation laws, the problem that the system control input is restricted is also considered, which is very important in practical systems. Finally a simulation example shows the effectiveness of the two approximation laws proposed.

Chattering Reduction in Design of Variable Structure Systems

This paper presents a new method of smoothing control signal in control system of variable structure. Using the relationship between the gain of nonlinear term in the control signal and distance of the system states from the equivalent point, a saturating property with the variable width is adopted. The method not only reduces the chattering of the control signal but also decrees the steady-state error.

Remote Control Guidance Law Design Using Variable Structure Control

A method of sliding mode variable structure control for the missile body being a time varying system is presented. A remote control guidance law is designed. The method has strong robustness to target＇ s maneuver. To reduce the chattering phenomena, quasi-sliding mode variable structure control method is used. Simulation results show that the proposed method has small miss distance for any kind of maneuvering targets and requires small control energy.

Stabilization Variable Structure Control for Singular Decoupling Motor System

This paper describes the important application of variable structure control (VSC) theory on induction motor (IM) decoupling control system. A design scheme using singular system variable structure control method for a decoupling IM system is presented. The scheme is shown to be robust to parametric variations and external disturbances. Simulation results show the stability and effectiveness of the proposed scheme