Seismic control performance of a three-story frame prototype equipped with semi-active variable stiffness and damping structural joints

This paper presents numerical and experimental studies on semi-active seismic response control of structures equipped with variable stiffness and damping structural joints. Such adaptive joints, which are comprised of a shape memory polymer (SMP) core reinforced by an SMP-aramid composite skin, function as load-transfer components as well as...

Multi-scale experimental testing on variable stiffness and damping components for semi-active structural control

This paper presents experimental testing of a new semi-active vibration control device comprising a shape memory polymer (SMP) core that is reinforced by an SMP-aramid composite skin. This control device works as a load-transfer component that can be integrated into truss and frame structures in the form of a joint. At the material level,...

Vibration Suppression Through Variable Stiffness and Damping Structural Joints

This paper introduces a new semi-active strategy for vibration control of truss and frame structures equipped with variable stiffness and damping joints which consist of a shape memory polymer (SMP) core reinforced by an SMP-aramid composite skin. When the joints are actuated to the transition temperature through thermal actuation, the SMP...

Design and characterization of variable stiffness structural joints

This paper presents design and characterization of a new type of structural joint which can vary its stiffness through actuation. Stiffness variation is employed to control the dynamic response of frame structures equipped with such joints. The joint is made of a shape memory polymer (SMP) core which is reinforced by an SMP-aramid composite...

Adaptive joints with variable stiffness: Strategically arranged materials with transduction properties

The environment around buildings keeps changing, while the static design solutions of buildings cannot perform well during the whole service life. In order to improve structural performances including strength (i.e. avoid collapse) and serviceability, adaptive structures are likely to establish as one of future trends in both research and...

Structural adaptation through stiffness tuning

Adaptive design strategies have been employed to improve structural performances in terms of load-bearing efficiency and energetic impact as well as to achieve multi-functionality. In this work, we investigate a passive adaptation strategy that employs variable stiffness in robotically printed materials. This paper focuses on the design and...