Songye Zhu

• PhD
• Professor (Full) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Although traditional active suspension can offer superior riding comfort and maneuverability over its semiactive and passive counterparts, its reliance on an external power supply has hindered its widespread applications in vehicles. To overcome this deficiency, this paper proposes an innovative self-powered active suspension design for a high-spee...

This paper presents an experimental study of a novel high‐performance self‐centring (SC) precast segmental concrete column (PSCC) utilising shape memory alloy (SMA) bolts. The tested PSCC was constructed with four precast concrete segments and had a total height of 1555 mm. The whole column was assembled by connecting four segments through bolts so...

Seismic-resistant self-centering concentrically braced frames (SC-CBFs) are susceptible to the concentration of inter-story drifts during earthquakes owing to the relatively low energy dissipation ability of braces. To address this limitation, this study proposed a novel solution by designing a strong backup (SB) system to mitigate inter-story defo...

Large-scale ship-mounted cranes are important facilities for marine construction. However, under harsh sea conditions, the hoisting system of a ship-mounted crane is often subjected to wave loadings, leading to frequent occurrences of large-amplitude resonance. This paper proposes an active control method, termed the active displacement compensatio...

Vibration control in civil engineering is often challenging due to the nonlinear nature of structures. Traditional control strategies have limitations in terms of modeling accuracy and scalability, especially when analyzing complex nonlinear systems. To solve this problem, this study proposes a model-free active vibration control technique specific...

This paper investigates a steel moment resisting frame (MRF) with a novel type of self‐centering (SC) base isolators, wherein superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) U‐shaped dampers (SMAUDs) work as core components. A two‐story steel MRF model equipped with two SMAUD‐based isolators was designed and built in the laboratory, and a series of shake tab...

The construction and popularity of multimegawatt offshore wind turbines (OWTs) are increasing globally because of their capacity to produce clean and green energy at a low cost. As many of these structures will continue to be installed in earthquake prone areas worldwide, it becomes necessary to develop a better understanding of the dynamic soil-st...

This study proposes a novel hybrid self-centering brace (HSB) with structural and nonstructural damage-control capabilities for the seismic resilience of building structures. NiTi-based shape memory alloy (SMA) U-shaped dampers and frequency-dependent viscoelastic dampers are included in HSBs to provide self-centering capacity for avoiding structur...

Among various structural vibration control categories, active control typically provides superior control performance. However, its high energy demand often limits its extensive implementation in large-scale civil structures. Very recently, electromagnetic dampers, which can convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, have emerged as a novel sol...

This paper presents an innovative two-level shape memory alloy (SMA)-based self-centring (SC) steel column, referred to as TSSSC. The TSSSC is interconnected by two series of SMA bolts, differing in diameters and lengths, to achieve multi-yielding. This is intended to fulfil multiple performance-based design objectives and augment the structural du...

To enhance the performance of a vibration-based energy harvester, typical approaches employ frequency-matching strategies by either using nonlinear broadband or frequency-tunable harvesters. This study systematically analyzes the nonlinear dynamics and energy harvesting performance of a recently emerging tunable low-frequency vibration-based energy...

The modulus of elasticity of concrete (Ec) is an essential parameter commonly used in concrete design, concrete curing monitoring, and deterioration evaluation and damage detection of concrete structures. A quick and reliable in situ determination of Ec helps in accurate decision-making for construction and maintenance. The electromechanical impeda...

An accurate estimation of dynamic loads and structural dynamic responses is deemed an indispensable prerequisite for developing trustworthy digital twin (DT) models of dynamically excited structures. Traditional joint load–response estimation (JLRE) algorithms necessitate a full-rank feedthrough matrix, implying that accelerometers are required at...

Base isolation is a useful technique to mitigate superstructural vibrations based on the principle of shifting structural natural frequencies lower than the dominant frequency range of seismic excitations. However, excessive displacement may be concentrated at the flexible substructure, causing the loss of its building functions. Besides, the conve...

Structural health monitoring (SHM) has gained recognition in civil engineering and is now a well-established technique. Recently, it has received considerable research attention in the application in Wind turbine (WT) structures. A complete sensing system could provide comprehensive information about the structure during long-term operations. In th...

Estimating engineering structures’ health conditions and predicting their future behaviors are fundamental problems for a city’s safe and efficient operations. Data-driven solutions estimate the health conditions using statistical models generated from measurement data. They have attracted growing interest recently because advances in information a...

Active suspension technique normally provides the best vibration mitigation performance at the cost of high-energy consumption. In contrast, the energy consumption of a semi-active suspension is normally much smaller than that of an active suspension, whereas the control performance is compromised as well. Observing the core issue that caused such...

The hybrid self-centering braced frames (HSBFs) with shape memory alloy-based braces (SMABs) and viscous dampers (VDs) are an emerging structural system developed for improving the seismic resilience of traditional braced frames (e.g., buckling restrained braced frames (BRBFs)) and self-centering braced frames (SCBFs) by reducing residual inter-sto...

With the development of the urban rail transit system, the ride comfort of trains in operation has been emphasized by passengers and railroad operators alike. The monitoring of interior vibration and noise levels of trains provides an efficient way to guarantee ride comfort. Traditional monitoring equipment has numerous disadvantages, such as high...

The hybrid self-centering braced frame (HSBF) is an emerging seismic resilient structural system with the capacity of controlling peak inter-story drifts and floor accelerations and eliminating residual inter-story drift by combining displacement- and velocity-proportional damping. The shape memory alloy-based braces (SMABs) and viscous dampers (VD...

Despite their superior control performance, active vibration control techniques cannot be widely used in some engineering fields because of their substantial power demand in controlling large-scale structures. As an innovative solution to this problem, an unprecedented self-powered active vibration control system was developed in this study. The top...

This paper presents a novel algorithm that reconstructs structural responses under unknown inputs and rank-deficient feedthrough matrix conditions. The algorithm eliminates one of the major constraints of existing filters (i.e., the requirement of a full-rank matrix), allowing the number of accelerometers required in real applications to be reduced...

The self-centering braced frames (SCBFs) have been widely investigated for enhancing the building structures’ post-earthquake repairability by reducing or even eliminating the residual inter-story drifts. Nevertheless, it has been highlighted in recent research that the flag-shaped hysteretic behavior of SCBFs amplifies structural floor acceleratio...

With the development of optical frequency-domain reflectometry (OFDR)-based distributed strain sensing technology and static influence line (IL) measurement concept, the special influence surface (IS) measurement, a function of sensing and force locations, has become technically feasible. This study investigated, for the first time, damage detectio...

Neural networks (NNs) can provide a simple solution to complex structural vibration control problems. However, most past NN-based control strategies cannot guarantee an optimal policy in structural vibration control. In this study, a novel active vibration control strategy based on deep reinforcement learning is proposed, which utilizes the learnin...

This study presents a novel self‐centering (SC) base isolation system enabled by traditional lead rubber bearing (LRB) incorporating superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) U‐shaped dampers (hereinafter referred to as SMA‐LRB). This system is particularly suitable for some important structures (e.g., hospital buildings) that require high seismic perf...

In-operation construction vibration monitoring records inevitably contain various anomalies caused by sensor faults, system errors, or environmental influence. An accurate and efficient anomaly detection technique is essential for vibration impact assessment. Identifying anomalies using visualization tools is computationally expensive, time-consumi...

As a common construction activity, rock excavation using hydraulic breakers often generates high-level ground- and structure-borne vibrations, which may adversely affect nearby buildings in terms of structural safety, occupant comfort, and ultraprecision equipment functionality. However, building vibrations induced by rock excavation have not been...

Engineering structures are susceptible to natural and man-made hazards, threatening structural normal functionality and safety. Considerable attention has been paid to the research and development of structural control techniques. Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are control devices practically applied. However, they only exert the optimum control efficie...

Conventional steel moment-resisting frames (SMRFs) absorb seismic energy through steel yielding behavior, leading to significant residual displacement. Although steel yielding behavior can ensure the seismic safety of SMRFs under strong earthquakes, excessive residual displacement may lead to post-earthquake demolition decisions, causing a large am...

Self-centering energy-absorbing rocking core (SCENARIO) systems are emerging aseismic structural systems developed for obtaining excellent self-centering and collapse-resistant performance with negligible residual inter-story drifts in steel buildings under strong earthquakes. Despite its demonstrated superior structural performance, the nonstructu...

In this paper, the seismic responses and resilience of a novel K-type superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) self-centring (SC) eccentrically braced frame (EBF) are investigated. The simulation models of the SMA-based SC-EBF and a corresponding equal-stiffness traditional EBF counterpart are first established based on some existing tests. Then twent...

The control performances of inerter-based dampers on stay cables, usually governed by relevant damper parameters (such as inertance, stiffness, and damping coefficients), are sensitive to parameter variation around the optimal range. Further given these inerter-based dampers amplify the vibration amplitude at the damper location, the effects of cab...

The mitigation of bridge cable vibration has long been a research hotspot with substantial developments contributed to the field. In addition to vibration control, a recent development trend incorporates auxiliary sensors, local computing modules, and data transmission devices to establish a comprehensive, integrated cable control and health monito...

This study proposes a novel shape memory alloy (SMA)‐based self‐centering (SC) precast segmental concrete column (PSCC). The entire structural system, called SSC‐PSCC, can be constructed via off‐site precasting followed by on‐site assembly. By using connecting SMA bolts and steel angles, wherein SMA and steel elements contribute to SC and energy di...

Dear Colleagues, Constructional steel has been used widely for developing infrastructures, e.g., bridges, building structures, offshore structures, and tower structures. Theoretically, constructional steel is fully recyclable, which is promising for promoting carbon neutrality. Benefiting from the inherent advantages, constructional steel is incre...

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) was set up with a vision to drive for excellence of the construction industry in Hong Kong. The CIC encourages and facilitates research activities and the use of innovative techniques for the construction industry, as one of the many functions. The CIC engages consultants, academic institutions, in-house reso...

A hybrid self-centering braced frame equipped with shape memory alloy-based self-centering braces (SMA-SCBs) and viscous dampers is proposed to achieve enhanced seismic performance. Based on the proposed hybrid strategy combining the contributions of SMA-SCBs and viscous dampers, this paper investigates the advantages of such hybrid self-centering...

Enhancing the seismic performance of based-isolated structures during a major earthquake event using inerter-based dampers emerges as a prominent research direction. However, analysis and optimization of based-isolated structures incorporated with inerter-based dampers considering both system nonlinearity and excitation uncertainty have rarely been...

The cover image is based on the Research Article Wind‐ and sea wave‐induced response mitigations of offshore wind turbines using track nonlinear energy sinks by Haoran Zuo et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/stc.2990

Owing to their sufficient ductility, conventional steel moment-resisting frames (MRFs) are widely used as seismic-resistant systems in building structures. However, the ductile behavior introduces significant residual displacement after earthquakes, leading to massive economic losses caused by difficult or even unfeasible repairs. This paper intend...

A two-level performance-based seismic design (PBSD) approach for frame structures isolated by self-centring isolators (SCIs) is proposed in this study. Unlike the traditional PBSD process that generally designs a structure for a specific seismic intensity level first and then checks structural performance for other levels, the proposed PBSD approac...

Damage indices that are sensitive to early damage or abnormality of bridges are essential to take protective measures before any catastrophic failure of bridges occurs. Influence lines (ILs) have been proved as a promising bridge damage index numerically and experimentally. However, a comprehensive study on using various types of ILs for damage det...

Non-stationary spatially variable ground motions (SVGMs) are commonly modelled as multivariate oscillatory processes based on evolutionary power spectral density (EPSD) functions. The existing conditional simulation algorithms require the known EPSD functions. The EPSD functions are usually assumed to be identical for all locations, which is unreas...

This paper performs the seismic assessment of novel shape memory alloy (SMA)-based self-centring (SC) eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) by using probabilistic seismic demand analysis (PSDA) and probabilistic seismic fragility analysis (PSFA). The structural finite element models are established based on a previous prototype building and verified t...

This paper intends to develop a new lateral force-resisting system – the hybrid self-centering companion spines system (denoted as the HSCS system) – for obtaining better seismic resilience by controlling both structural and nonstructural damage. The HSCS system consists of two rigid spines pinned to the ground and several hybrid dampers. The two r...

High-rise and flexible offshore wind turbines (OWTs) are frequently constructed in high-seismicity regions, and passive linear control strategies are commonly adopted to mitigate the seismic responses of OWTs. However, the effectiveness of linear control devices is often sensitive to the frequency contents of seismic motions as well as structural f...

In this study, a novel D-type self-centering (SC) eccentrically braced frame (EBF) based on superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) is proposed. Unlike traditional SC-EBFs using a posttensioned mechanism, the proposed EBF utilizes only SMA angles and steel angles, which can vastly simplify the construction of the whole structure. The behavior of the...

With the increasing speeds of high-speed trains (HSTs), advanced suspension design are necessary to guarantee riding comfort and energy efficiency. In this study, a novel energy-regenerative semiactive secondary suspension system of HSTs and the corresponding control strategy, which have not been reported in the literature, were developed using the...

Modern offshore wind turbines (OWTs) are constructed with increasingly long blades and slender towers to capture wind resources more effectively. Consequently, OWTs have become vulnerable to wind and sea wave excitations. Mitigations of unfavorable OWT vibrations have been extensively investigated, with the majority focusing on passive vibration co...

With the increasing construction of large-scale wind turbines in seismically active coastal areas, the survivability of these high-rated-power offshore wind turbines (OWTs) in marine and geological conditions becomes extremely important. Although research on the dynamic behaviors of OWTs under earthquakes has been conducted with consideration of th...

Various construction activities (such as piling) often generate high-intensity ground vibrations that adversely affect the surrounding environment. A common way of assessing vibration impact is to conduct on-site ground vibration monitoring at several selected locations. However, as vibration sources are often not pinpointed in the construction pro...

This paper presents the probabilistic seismic demand and fragility analyses of a novel mid-rise large-span cassette structure. A newly designed nine-storey office building in Hunan, China, is selected, and its two different design schemes, namely, a traditional frame structure and a novel cassette structure, are examined using numerical models esta...

This paper presents the first state-of-the-art review on simultaneous vibration control and energy harvesting strategy, a multi-disciplinary topic related to structural dynamics, mechanical design, and power electronics. The prominent damping effects provided by large-scale vibration-based energy harvesters make the simultaneous control of vibratio...

This paper investigates a novel mid-rise large-span cassette structure. The unique limit state divisions of the cassette structure are studied by following the probabilistic seismic capacity analysis (PSCA) method. A numerical model is established and verified through the use of shake table test results. Multidirectional pushover analyses is perfor...

As a new member of the shape memory alloy (SMA) material family, iron-based SMAs (Fe-SMAs) show great potential in seismic applications due to their favorable properties. The thermomechanical behavior of Fe-SMAs has been extensively studied over the past decades. However, the relevant research regarding the use of Fe-SMAs in the community of earthq...

Electromagnetic dampers (EMDs), which are regarded as an emerging type of dampers, have recently drawn increasing research interests in structural vibration control due to their unique advantages over conventional damper types. Although advanced synthetic impedance and energy harvesting functions of EMDs have been separately investigated, their int...