JET-PACS project: Joint Experimental Testing on Passive and Semiactive Control Systems

An extensive experimental dynamic testing programme named JetPacs is being carried out at the Structural Laboratory of the University of Basilicata. The JetPacs Project has been developed within the RELUIS 2005-08 project (Research Line 7: Technologies for the seismic isolation and control of structures and infrastructures), involving partners from different Italian universities. With regards to dissipating bracing systems, the main objectives of the programme are: (i) to increase user awareness of specific aspects of the currently available techniques, (ii) to carry out a performance assessment of the different techniques, and (iii) to simplify and to suggest a design standardisation procedure. Shaking table tests are carried out on a 2:3 scaled structural model derived from a prototype building, namely a 2-storey, 1-bay, three-dimensional steel frame. Both passive and semi-active bracing systems are used featuring the following energy dissipating materials and principles: (i) viscous fluids; (ii) viscoelastic materials; (iii) magnetorheological fluids; (iv) visco-re-centring elements and (v) hysteretic components. The structural model is subjected to three different sets of natural and artificial earthquake records, compatible with the Italian seismic code response spectra for A, B and D soil types. The seismic intensity is progressively increased until the design performance criterion is achieved. In this paper, model dynamic identification test results are presented and key features of the experimental shaking table testing programme are outlined.