Active Vibration Control System using Membrane Piezo-Electric Ceramics for Steel Staircases

Macro Fiber Composites (MFCs) have been recently developed as actuators or sensors. MFCs are sheeted piezoelectric devices constructed with fibrous piezo-ceramics that can produce relatively higher forces than other sheeted piezoelectric devices. These light and flexible devices are expected to create many innovative methods for the vibration control of structures. We have been developing a new compact active vibration control system using MFCs for floor vertical micro-vibration. MFCs are arranged at the lower flange of both ends of a beam as actuators in the system. Unlike TMD, this vibration control system doesn't need to install a large device in the antinode of the vibration mode, so it is visually beneficial in structures in which steel frames are not covered with finish materials. In this paper, we describe a case where smart staircase was realized using this vibration control system. By the system, vibration amplitude of staircase occurred by human ascending was reduced to 1/3, and the heights of the stringers were reduced by about 100 mm.