Active Control Development in the U.S. and Case Studies

As we have seen, full-scale implementation of active control devices in buildings has taken place, but all installations in either full-scale test structures or new buildings can only be found in Japan. However, some of the operational full-scale active systems are the result of US-Japan research collaborations and U.S. researchers were responsible for the design, fabrication and installation of an active bracing system in a full-scale dedicated test structure for structural response control under seismic loads (Soong et al., 1991; Reinhorn et al., 1992; Reinhorn et al., 1993). In addition, at least two designs have been completed for the purpose of retrofitting existing deficient structures in the U.S. The active bracing system and one of the design projects are briefly described below.