A new framework of multi-objective BELBIC for seismic control of smart base-isolated structures equipped with MR dampers

The main motivation of the present study is to propose a new framework of multi-objective brain emotional learning-based intelligent controller (MOBELBIC) for tuning the command voltage of MR dampers in real-time for smart base-isolated structures. To address the main goal of the seismic control of such structures i.e. creating a suitable trade-off between the conflicting cost functions in terms of the maximum base displacement and superstructure acceleration, a multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is also utilized. Moreover, a multi-objective proportional–integral–derivative controller (MOPIDC) is proposed for comparison purposes. Then, the validation of both proposed controllers is compared with those given by the passive-off and passive-on statues of the MR damper for a benchmark base-isolated structure subjected to different earthquake excitations. Poor efficacy of the passive-off case is found especially for overcoming the drawbacks of large base displacement during near-field earthquakes. Besides, the passive-on case is significantly able to reduce the maximum and RMS values of the base displacement at the cost of a remarkable increase in the maximum and RMS values of the superstructure inter-story and acceleration, which shows that it cannot meet the main control objectives. The simulation result during different earthquake excitations indicates that the MOBELBIC performs much better than the MOPIDC in the simultaneous reduction of the maximum and RMS of the seismic responses of the studied structure especially in terms of base displacement, inter-story drift, and superstructure acceleration.