Optimal Input Distribution Over Multiple Control Objectives for Adaptive High-Rise Structures

Adaptive high-rise buildings use multiple sensor systems, actuators integrated into the structure, and a control unit in order to actively counteract external disturbances. In civil engineering, a distinction is made between static loads such as snow, and dynamic loads, e.g. wind and earthquakes. These result in two control objectives, each of which is achieved by a separate controller. A static load compensation method is employed to minimize static displacements, while a model predictive controller induces additional damping into the structure to suppress structural vibrations. Here, both controllers use the same set of actuators with limited forces. This paper presents an investigation of the control input requirement for static load compensation and vibration damping. An algorithm for optimal control input distribution over the different control objectives is implemented to achieve good performance of the overall system. The method is tested in simulations considering a wind disturbance. By applying the introduced control strategy, the closed loop achieves a performance improvement of 14% with regard to the building's displacements and velocities compared to the application of solely a model predictive controller.