Input identification, footbridge control and non-linear identification of a MR damper

The thesis aims to investigate the dynamical criticality of a pedestrian footbridge and the use of a semi-active tuned mass damper. In this respect, the work appears threefold since the first and third part regard identification of a realistic model for the damping device and semi-active control of the magneto-rheological damper. In this respect, input identification techniques are a useful tool and an aid for the control law design. As a consequence, the second part involves both input identification strategies for a dynamic system and analysis of issues related to the inherent delay. In this respect, the so called “collocation” of measurement devices with respect to the application points of the input is critical, together with the concept of kernel.