Types of Seismic Control System in Building

Structures

Different types of seismic control systems are used in earthquake-resistant design

that serves the purpose of reducing the action of earthquake forces on the main
structural system. Generally, there are three types of seismic control systems
namely passive, active and hybrid seismic control systems. Each system is briefly
explained in this article.

1. Passive Seismic Control System

A passive seismic control system is a shock mitigation method that uses passive
techniques. These do not require additional energy sources to serve the mitigation
purpose. Instead, it uses the earthquake input motion to activate seismic control.
The major examples of passive seismic control systems are:

o Energy Dissipation Devices

o Base Isolation System
o Dynamic Oscillators
Energy Dissipation Devices

These are mechanical systems attached to the building structure that undergoes
deformation and yielding by absorbing a large portion of earthquake input energy,
hence protecting the building structure.

There are wide variety of energy dissipation devices that are categorised based on
its capability to enhance the energy dissipation in the structural systens. These
works based on the principles like:

o Deformation of viscoelastic solids

o Phase transformation of the metals
o Yielding of metals
 FLUID VISCOUS DAMPERS
Mainly, there are three types of energy dissipation devices:
1. Metallic Yielding Dampers
2. Friction Dampers
3. Fluid Viscous Dampers
4. Viso-elastic Dampers
Base Isolation System

In this system, a flexible interface is introduced between the structure and

foundation. This hence isolates the main structure from shaking the ground. This
system increases the natural period of the structure hence decreasing the natural
frequency of vibration.

Dynamic Oscillators

Dynamic oscillators are used to transform the energy among the vibrating modes.
This technique makes use of supplemental oscillators. These act as dynamic
oscillators. One of the popular dynamic oscillators used in construction is Tuned
Mass Damper or TMD.
 2. Active Seismic Control System

This method involves the process of imposing forces on the structure in order to
counterbalance the earthquake forces acting on the building structure. This sytem
requires additional energy source and computer -controlled actuators to operate.
Hence, this system is complex compared with the passive seismic control systems.

Active control system is a new invention compared with passive systems. When an
earthquake hits a building, the sensors of active control system determine the
direction and the weight of the counterbalance force to be induced in opposite
direction so that the building remains motionless and structure remains safe.

Hence, the whole arrangement and requirement of an active seismic control

system is complex and expensive. This is not suitable for small projects.

3. Hybrid Seismic Control System

As the name states, it is a hybrid seismic control system that combines both the
active and passive seismic system. A hybrid seismic control system have the
following advantage over the active and passive system:

1. Improved reliability
2. Reduced Cost
3. Power Demand is less
A hybrid seismic control system is initiated by making use of the advantages of
both active and hybrid seismic control systems.