On possible applications of smart structures controlled by self-stress

Abstract Civil Engineering (CE) is one of the many fields of possible implementation of smart or intelligent technologies. The present paper is an attempt to specify and estimate problems and areas of CE suitable for the application of such technologies, with the focus on Bridge Engineering (BE). Precise definitions, explanations and classifications of terms used in smart technique are introduced and components of smart systems are defined. Analogies between smart systems and biological ones are indicated. The paper presents some of the research projects carried out in the field of CE, according to the current state-of-the-art. Concepts of smart bridges are proposed and several examples of structural control performed on space trusses and tensegrity structures with self-stress are introduced. Examples of structural control presented in the paper show that characteristic displacements of the analysed structures may be reduced by changing the prestressing force applied to the single modules, which are a part of the structure. Results of the performed analysis indicate that tensegrity structures are much more prone to the changes in the value of prestressing force than truss structures, which makes them a promising solution as far as structural control is concerned.

[1]  Ian F. C. Smith,et al.  Learning, Self-Diagnosis And Multi-Objective Control Of An Active Tensegrity Structure , 2006 .

[2]  Songye Zhu,et al.  Displacement-based design approach for highway bridges with SMA isolators , 2011 .

[3]  G. Tadros,et al.  First Smart Highway Bridge in Canada , 1994 .

[4]  Eric H. Anderson,et al.  SPIE Smart Structures Product Implementation Award: a review of the first ten years , 2007, SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[5]  M. Farshad.  Intelligent Materials and Structures , 1995 .

[6]  Solomon Tesfamariam,et al.  Smart structures using shape memory alloys , 2009, Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[7]  Kung-Chun Lu,et al.  Turning the building into a smart structure: integrating health monitoring , 2009, Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[8]  Richard H. Hall,et al.  Interactive Virtual Laboratory for Experience with a Smart Bridge Test , 2002 .

[9]  Gabriele Cazzulani,et al.  Enhancing active vibration control performances in a smart structure by using fiber Bragg gratings sensors , 2012, Smart Structures.

[11]  Chia-Ming Chang,et al.  An experimental study of active base isolation control for seismic protection , 2010, Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[12]  Maged A. Youssef,et al.  Seismic behaviour of repaired superelastic shape memory alloy reinforced concrete beam-column joint , 2011 .

[13]  René Motro,et al.  Tensegrity: Structural Systems for the Future , 2003 .

[14]  Gabriele Cazzulani,et al.  Reducing vibration in carbon fiber structures with piezoelectric actuators and fiber Bragg grating sensors , 2012, Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.