Minimax Design of Statistics-Based Control With Noise Uncertainty for Highway Bridges

An approach for the statistical control of infinite horizon, linear quadratic systems subject to noise uncertainties is presented. The solution lies in the same solution space as the infinite horizon, statistical feedback solution but is designed for a least favorable system model. The impetus for this approach is the active control of seismically induced vibrations in newly constructed 91/5 highway over-crossing in Southern California where the hydraulic actuators working in parallel with passive isolation bearings are now capable of alleviating excessive displacement of bearings and damage to bridge piers during near fault ground motions.