Reduction of Pounding Between Buildings Using Fuzzy Controller Chandrakant N. Thombare, Keshav K. Sangle

In this study, a fuzzy logic controller is employed to synchronize the response of two adjacent buildings coupled with a magneto-rheological (MR) damper and also, to reduce the minimum separation gap required, thus avoiding pounding hazard between adjacent buildings. Adopting a coupling strategy allows us to transform two separated structures into one system coupled by a damping device, which results in a synchronised vibrating mode between the coupled structures. A number of structural configurations presenting a high pounding risk are investigated for this study. It has been found that chances of pounding are reduced along with a reduction regarding top floor displacement and maximum drift. The use of fuzzy logic controller results in optimization of the damper force. In addition, it has been also observed that the use of a single damper at the top floor reduces responses and avoids pounding of adjacent buildings.