Cross-Layer Installed Cable-Bracing Inerter System for MDOF Structure Seismic Response Control

Inerter-based vibration control systems have been developed rapidly in recent years. However, previous studies mainly focus on the development of new devices and parameter optimization strategies, while ignoring the improvements in the utilization efficiency of the inerter system that the bracing system and novel installation methods may bring. In this paper, a cross-layer installed cable-bracing inerter system (CICBIS) is proposed to improve the utilization efficiency of the inerter system, which can cross more layers and is suitable for shear-type multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) structures. A demand-based cable-bracing inerter system (CBIS) design method is developed. The mass enhancement and utilization efficiency improvement of the inerter system caused by the cross-layer installation are quantified through calculating the effective inerter-mass ratio of the CBIS-equipped MDOF structure. A 10-story benchmark structure is used to verify the control performance of the CICBIS and the design method. The analysis results show that the proposed design method can exert the cable-bracing system’s adjustability and the damping enhancement of the inerter system. The CICBIS can reduce the total apparent mass and damping coefficient requirements of the inerter systems without increasing the control force. It means that the proposed design method is effective, and the CICBIS has a high efficiency.