Integrated design of Smart Structures

Much of structural control research and applications in civil engineering have been concerned with structures equipped with passive, hybrid, or active control devices in order to enhance structural performance under extraordinary loads. In most cases, the structure and the control system are individually designed and optimized. On the other hand, an exciting consequence of structural control research is that it also opens the door to new possibilities in structural forms and configurations, such as lighter buildings or bridges with longer spans without compromising on structural performance. Moreover, this can only be achieved through integrated design of structures with control elements as an integral part. This paper addresses the integrated design of structures with imbedded control systems and devices. Simultaneous optimization of such controlled structures is considered, showing that new structural forms and configurations can be achieved through integrated design. © 2008 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland