Smart Structure Technology for Resilient Building and Infrastructures Against Natural Hazards: Past Experiences, Opportunities, and Challenges

Smart structure technology, an innovative solution for mitigating structural responses to natural hazards, diverges from conventional designs by incorporating control devices like isolators, actuators, and dampers. This approach enables structures to dynamically adapt during natural disasters, enhancing resilience and safety. Originating in the early 1900s, the technology gained global traction, primarily in Japan, and has been increasingly implemented in other parts of the world. The development of control systems has produced various types of control devices, such as passive, active, semi-active, and hybrid controls. Due to vast options, designers have a high flexibility to choose and implement the appropriate control system that suits each problem's needs. Previous scaled and real-life applications have proven the control system's robustness and reliability. Future challenges to increase control system application include addressing time delays, minimizing actuator saturation, optimization, and integrating multidisciplinary in real-life applications. Researchers have explored predictive methods, local search techniques, and metaheuristic approaches to optimize control systems. Despite hurdles, implementing smart structures presents immense potential, not only in ensuring human safety but also in preserving structures and reducing downtime during disasters. Efforts to enhance cost-efficiency, optimize control configurations, and integrate control systems seamlessly into new and existing structures mark crucial future directions.