Verification of real-time hybrid tests of response control of base isolation system by MR damper comparing shaking table tests

Magnetorheological fluid damper (MR damper) has been expected to control the response of civil and building structures in recent years, because of its large force capacity and variable force characteristics. At first, a series of real-time hybrid tests was conducted. The important objective of this paper is to verify the validity of real-time hybrid tests by comparison with the test results of shaking table tests by using the same MR damper. The maximum damping force of the MR damper is 10 (kN), the stroke is 600(p-p) (mm), and the maximum piston velocity is 1(m/s). To determine the control force of the MR damper, optimal control theory and skyhook control were employed. The capability of the MR damper to control the response displacements and accelerations of base isolation system was verified by both shaking table tests and real-time hybrid tests.