Bo Lundqvist wanted to get involved in research as a way to expand his knowledge of his major beyond what he was learning in the classroom. He discovered that Professor Zareian was working on research related to earthquakes, and was able to join one such project. Through his work, Bo developed a passion for Earthquake Engineering that he looks to pursue in his future education and career. After graduation, Bo intends to begin work on a Master’s degree at Stanford University.

Several algorithms have been proposed for use in conjunction with energy dissipation devices to mitigate damage to structures during earthquakes. Prior research has shown that these control algorithms have the potential to significantly reduce structural displacements during seismic events. The proposed energy dissipation devices, when paired with the appropriate control algorithm, hold promise for effective structural control as low-cost, low-maintenance, and low-energy solutions to damages caused by seismic events. While the algorithms had already shown desirable results in prior testing, the device and control methods had not yet been tested and analyzed for a broad range of ground motions and system settings. This study verifies existing research conclusions of the control systems’ efficacy and also achieves a more comprehensive understanding of their respective strengths and weaknesses. Mathematical models were created to perform a thorough analysis of structural performance under applied earthquake conditions. Comparison of the two fundamental control algorithms for this research, known as 1&3 and 2&4, yields more favorable results for the former, due to its lesser reliance on high stiffness and its ability to resist pulse-like ground motions. The study concludes that the 1&3 algorithm is a more effective control method to apply through the proposed mechanical device.

Farzin Zareian Samueli School of Engineering

Bo’s research advances our understanding of a special class of structural control devices for protection of various components of civil infrastructure (e.g., building and bridges) from destructive seismic events. This research is not only important to the Earthquake Engineering research community who are mainly focused on developing structural control devices and algorithms, it also serves the practicing engineers by introducing a simple and effective structural control concept. Bo was in the unique position to tackle this research. He developed the required knowledge for leading this project through coursework and research. I strongly encourage all talented undergraduate students to take advantage of the research opportunities at UCI.