In recent years, response analysis of complex structures under impact loads has attracted a great deal of attention. For example, a collision or an accident that produces impact loads that exceed the design load can cause severe damage on the structural components. Although the AASHTO specification is used for impact-resistant bridge design, it has many limitations. The AASHTO specification does not incorporate complex and uncertain factors. Thus, a well-designed structure that can survive a collision under specific conditions in one region may be severely damaged if it were impacted by a different vessel, or if it were located elsewhere with different in-situ conditions. With these limitations in mind, we propose different solutions that use smart control technology to mitigate impact hazard on structures. However, it is challenging to develop an accurate mathematical model of the integrated structure-smart control systems. The reason is due to the complicated nonlinear behavior of the integrated nonlinear systems and uncertainties of high impact forces. In this context, novel algorithms are developed for identification, control and monitoring of nonlinear responses of smart structures under high impact forces. To evaluate the proposed approaches, a smart aluminum and two smart reinforced concrete beam structures were designed, manufactured, and tested in the High Impact Engineering Laboratory of Civil and Environmental Engineering at WPI. High-speed impact force and structural responses such as strain, deflection and acceleration were measured in the experimental tests. It has been demonstrated from the analytical and experimental study that: 1) the proposed system identification model predicts nonlinear behavior of smart structures under a variety of high impact forces, 2) the developed structural health monitoring algorithm is effective in identifying damage in time-varying nonlinear dynamic systems under ambient excitations, and 3) the proposed controller is effective in mitigating high impact responses of the smart structures.

"Maintaining an efficient and reliable infrastructure requires continuous monitoring and control. In order to accomplish these tasks, algorithms are needed to process large sets of data and for modeling based on these processed data sets. For this reason, computationally efficient and accurate modeling algorithms along with data compression techniques and optimal yet practical control methods are in demand. These tools can help model structures and improve their performance. In this thesis, these two aspects are addressed separately. A principal component analysis based adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system is proposed for fast and accurate modeling of time-dependent behavior of a structure integrated with a smart damper. Since a smart damper can only dissipate energy from structures, a challenge is to evaluate the dissipativity of optimal control methods for smart dampers to decide if the optimal controller can be realized using the smart damper. Therefore, a generalized deterministic definition for dissipativity is proposed and a commonly used controller, LQR is proved to be dissipative. Examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed modeling algorithm and evaluating the dissipativity of LQR control method. These examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed modeling algorithm and dissipativity of LQR controller."

Atualmente as estruturas estão sendo avaliadas para um maior número de ações em relação há algumas décadas. Esta melhoria ao longo da fase de concepção é dada devido ao fato de que está se tornando mais competitivo o fornecimento de estruturas leves e esbeltas, sendo solicitados, cada vez mais, projetos com menor custo de implantação. Devido a isto, é necessário avaliar as estruturas não apenas sujeitas a cargas estáticas, mas também a carregamentos dinâmicos. As ações dinâmicas que atuam sobre uma estrutura podem ser muito mais prejudiciais do que as estáticas quando não são bem consideradas e dimensionadas. Ações dinâmicas podem ser provenientes de tremores de terra, vento, equipamentos em funcionamento, deslocamento de pessoas, veículos em movimento, motores desbalanceados, entre outras fontes, o que pode causar vibrações na estrutura, podendo levar a mesma ao colapso. A fim de controlar e reduzir as amplitudes de vibração, entre outras alternativas é possível a instalação de amortecedores de massa sintonizado (AMS), que é um dispositivo de controle passivo. O AMS tem várias vantagens, tais como a grande capacidade de reduzir a amplitude de vibração, fácil instalação, baixa manutenção, baixo custo, entre outras. Para se obter a melhor relação custo-benefício, ou seja, a maior redução de amplitude aliada a um menor número de amortecedores ou a uma menor massa, a otimização dos parâmetros do AMS tornase fundamental. Neste contexto, este trabalho visa, através de simulação numérica, propor um método para otimizar parâmetros de AMSs quando estes devem ser instalados em edifícios submetidos à excitação sísmica. Inicialmente é considerado apenas um único AMS instalado no topo do edifício e em seguida também são feitas simulações com múltiplos AMSs (MAMS), e por fim são descartados os AMSs desnecessários, obtendo assim a melhor resposta da estrutura. Para tanto, uma rotina computacional é desenvolvida em MatLab usando o método de integração direta das equações de movimento de Newmark para determinar a resposta dinâmica da estrutura. Para fins de análise podem ser considerados tanto sismos reais quanto artificiais. Os acelerogramas artificias são gerados a partir do espectro proposto por Kanai e Tajimi. Primeiramente, a estrutura é analisada somente com o seu amortecimento próprio para fins comparativos e de referência. Em seguida, a otimização do ou dos AMSs é feita, na qual a função objetivo é minimizar o deslocamento máximo no topo do edifício, e as variáveis de projeto, são a relação de massas (AMS - Estrutura), rigidez e amortecimento do ou dos AMSs. Para a otimização são utilizados os algoritmos Firefly Algotithm e Backtracking Search Optimization Algorithm. De acordo com as configurações do AMS, após a otimização dos seus parâmetros são determinadas as novas respostas dinâmicas da estrutura. Finalmente, pode-se observar que o método proposto foi capaz de otimizar os parâmetros do ou dos AMSs, reduzindo consideravelmente as respostas da estrutura após a instalação do mesmo, minimizando o risco de dano e colapso do edifício. Desta forma, este trabalho mostra que é possível projetar AMS e MAMS de forma econômica e eficaz. / Currently, structures are being evaluated for a greater number of actions when compared to a few decades ago. This improvement in designing stage is happening because projects providing lightweight and slender structures, with lower implantation costs, are being more requested. Thus, evaluating structures not only subjected to static loads, but also to dynamic loads has become necessary. Dynamic loads acting on a structure are more damaging than static loads, if they are not well considered and dimensioned. Dynamic loads could occur from earthquakes, wind, equipment, movement of people or vehicles, among other sources, which cause vibrations in structures and may lead to a collapse. Tuned mass damper (TMD), a passive control device, can be installed as an alternative to reduce vibration amplitudes. TMD has several advantages, such as large capacity to reduce amplitude of vibration, easy installation, low maintenance, low cost, among others. Optimizing TMD parameters is fundamental for obtaining best cost-benefit relation, i.e., greater amplitude reduction along with lower number of dampers or lower mass. In this context, this study aims at proposing, through numerical simulation, a method for optimizing TMD parameters when installing them on buildings under seismic excitation. Initially, a single-TMD case is considered, then simulations with multiple-TMDs (MTMDs) are run; lastly, unnecessary TMDs are discarded, obtaining the best structural response. For this purpose, a computational routine is developed on MatLab using Newmark direct integration method for equations of motion to determine the dynamic structural response. Both real and artificial earthquakes are considered for purposes of analysis. Artificial accelerograms are generated from proposed Kanai-Tajimi spectrum. First, structure is analyzed only with its own damping for comparison and reference. Second, a single or multiple-TMD optimization is carried out, in which the objective function is to minimize the maximum displacement at the top of the building, and the design variables are modal mass ratio (Structure-TMD), stiffness and damping of a single or multiple-TMD. Firefly and Backtracking Optimization algorithms are used for optimization. According to TMD settings, new dynamic structural responses are determined after optimizing parameters. Finally, the proposed method could optimize parameters of single or multiple-TMDs, considerably reducing structural responses after their installation, minimizing the risk of damage and building collapse. Thus, this study shows the possibility of designing TMDs or MTMDs both economically and effectively.

This thesis investigates an alternative solution to deal with the civil structure vibration. Non-contact electromagnetic or Eddy current damping is selected as a score of vibration suppression. Electromagnetic damping relies on the interaction between a permanent magnet and conductor. An electromagnetic damper (EMD) is applied both to a laboratory footbridge structure and 6-storey model-scale aluminium moment resisting frame (AMRF). In this first study the EMD is connected in series with an electronic shunt circuit to construct an electromagnetic shunt damper (EMSD). A robust optimisation method is applied to develop the corresponding optimal design formula of the EMSD. The principle of an EMSD is to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. Hence, the induced electromotive force (emf) is generated by electromagnetic induction. This emf induces an amount of shunt damping, which is fedback to the structure to achieve vibration suppression. It was found that when the impedance was applied, the shunt damping feature was of a similar nature to viscous dampers. In contrast, when an RLC (resistance-inductance-capacitance) circuit is connected, the shunt damping is analogous to a tuned mass damper. A second form of EMD is Eddy current damper (ECD), which relies on a geometrical arrangement of permanent magnets and conductors to produce damping forces. The vertical and horizontal orientation of the magnet, unidirectional and alternative pole projection and moving different direction of the conductor are investigated. A theoretical study involving the infinite boundary and finite boundary (the method of images current) is carried out to obtain an analytical calculation of the damping force. On the basis of this analysis, one type of ECD prototype was physically built. A performance test was carried out to determine the damping characteristics of the ECD, which agreed with the results of the numerical analysis. In addition, the ECD was applied to control the dynamics of the 6-storey AMRF. It was found that, the ECD can effectively increase system damping and have a satisfactory control effect.

Ce travail est consacré à l’étude et à la mise au point de récupérateurs d’énergie intégrés à une suspension automobile afin par exemple d’alimenter soit un microcontrôleur, soit des capteurs, soit de réaliser le contrôle santé des pièces ou encore de rendre l’amortisseur au sein d’une suspension d’un véhicule semi-actif autonome en fonction du niveau d’énergie disponible. Compte tenu des types de déplacement disponible dans la suspension, il est naturel de s’orienter vers des techniques électromagnétiques pour la récupération d’énergie liée aux grands déplacements et vers des techniques piézoélectriques pour les vibrations. L’utilisation de tels systèmes s’avère cependant complexe et un certain nombre de points techniques doivent être résolus pour les mettre en œuvre. En premier lieu, une parfaite connaissance des techniques de conversion piézoélectrique et électromagnétique est nécessaire. Dans ce but, le langage Bond Graph est utilisé et appliqué avec succès sur l’ensemble du système de suspension ainsi que sur les récupérateurs d’énergie en raison de sa capacité à traduire les effets physiques et les échanges énergétiques au sein de systèmes multiphysiques. D’autre part, des confrontations simulation/expérience sont réalisées en laboratoire sur chacun des récupérateurs d’énergie piézoélectrique et électromagnétique, afin de s’assurer du bon fonctionnement de ces systèmes lors de leurs intégrations dans un véhicule réel. Ainsi, des défauts de nature différente comme la force magnétique déformant le mouvement de translation de l’amortisseur, la mauvaise conduction des lignes de champ magnétique ou les endommagements du matériau piézoélectrique lors d’essais répétés, sont analysés dans les premiers démonstrateurs afin d'être ensuite corrigés. Enfin, un modèle global de suspension automobile intégrant simultanément les deux sous-systèmes de récupération d’énergie est étudié. Afin de compléter cette analyse, une modélisation du circuit de restitution et du stockage d’énergie est également proposée et permet une étude qualitative et quantitative des performances des systèmes de récupération d’énergie piézoélectrique et électromagnétique. Les résultats issus de ces modèles sont exploités dans le but de concevoir des récupérateurs d’énergie s’adaptant au mieux au domaine de l'automobile. Pour conclure, des tests sur route avec le récupérateur d’énergie piézoélectrique démontrent la validité de l’analyse théorique et la faisabilité des techniques développées. / This work is devoted to the study and the development of energy harvesters integrated in an automobile suspension, for example to supply either a microcontroller or sensors, or to perform an health check of parts or render semi-active the shock absorber within a suspension of an autonomous vehicle according to the level of energy available. Given the types of displacement available in the suspension, it is natural to move towards electromagnetic techniques for energy recovery related to large displacements and to piezoelectric techniques for vibrations. However, the use of such systems is complex and a number of technical issues need to be addressed to implement them. First, a perfect knowledge of piezoelectric and electromagnetic conversion techniques is required. To this end, the Bond Graph language is used and successfully applied to the entire suspension system as well as energy harvesters because of its ability to translate physical effects and energy exchanges into multiphysics systems. Furthermore, simulation / experiment confrontations are carried out in the laboratory on each of the piezoelectric and electromagnetic energy harvesters, to ensure the proper functioning of these systems during their integration into a real vehicle. Thus, defects of different nature such as the magnetic force deforming the translation movement of the damper, the poor conduction of the magnetic field lines or the damage of the piezoelectric material during repeated tests, are analyzed in the first demonstrators in order to be corrected. Finally, a global model of automobile suspension simultaneously integrating the two subsystems of energy recovery is studied. To complete this analysis, a modeling of the circuit of restitution and energy storage is also proposed and allows a qualitative and quantitative study of the performances of piezoelectric and electromagnetic energy recovery systems. The results from these models are used to design energy recovery systems that best fit the automotive field. To conclude, road tests with the piezoelectric energy harvesters demonstrate the validity of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the techniques developed.

Les travaux effectués durant cette thèse portent sur l’étude du comportement mécanique dynamique de solutions amortissantes passives utilisées pour la réduction des niveaux vibratoires et la stabilisation des systèmes optroniques embarqués au sein de l’entreprise Thales LAS France. Ces solutions intègrent des matériaux élastomères au fort pouvoir dissipatif dont le comportement doit être parfaitement maîtrisé pour un bon dimensionnement de l’isolation vibratoire, et ce malgré leur dépendance à la température et à la fréquence. L’objectif général est d’améliorer la connaissance du comportement de ces matériaux, leur caractérisation, leur prise en compte dans les simulations numériques afin d’améliorer les pratiques employées dans les bureaux d’études qui conçoivent les structures accueillant ces systèmes.Dans ce cadre, les travaux présentés portent tout d’abord sur la caractérisation, la modélisation et l’identification du comportement viscoélastique des élastomères employés dans des amortisseurs de Thales LAS France. Un modèle de type Maxwell généralisé (GMM) est utilisé pour décrire ce comportement, et est introduit dans un modèle éléments finis de l’amortisseur afin d’obtenir une représentation physique satisfaisante de son comportement mécanique dynamique. Le problème est réécrit sous la forme d’une représentation d’état originale qui est associée à une stratégie de réduction de modèle pour réduire les temps de calcul. Différentes simulations sont alors réalisées pour illustrer le potentiel de l’approche proposée, analyse modale complexe, réponse fréquentielle et réponse temporelle. La température ayant une influence primordiale sur le comportement mécanique des élastomères, un modèle matériau thermomécanique spécifique est proposé en identifiant l’évolution en température de paramètres du GMM, et une analyse de robustesse portant sur la capacité de dissipation de l’amortisseur témoin en présence de méconnaissances sur cette variable est réalisée en se basant sur la théorie Info-Gap.L’analyse d’une campagne d’essais a permis de constater l’apparition d’un assouplissement de la structure sous de fortes sollicitations, laissant augurer la présence de non-linéarités. Un autre aspect abordé durant cette thèse porte ainsi sur la caractérisation, la modélisation et l’identification des phénomènes non-linéaires pouvant impacter le comportement dynamique de l’amortisseur. Deux sources ont été mises en évidence : une non-linéarité matérielle liée à la dépendance des caractéristiques mécaniques des élastomères au taux de déformation (effet Payne), et une non-linéarité de type contact liée à la présence de butées. Ces comportements ont été implémentés dans une représentation réduite de l’amortisseur afin d’expliquer les phénomènes non-linéaires observés expérimentalement au cours des campagnes de qualification du produit.Enfin, la dernière partie de ces travaux de thèse porte sur la conception d’un réseau d’absorbeurs à masses accordées (MTMD) afin de réduire le niveau vibratoire d’une pièce structurale supportant les systèmes optiques. Après une formulation du problème éléments finis, une procédure d’optimisation des paramètres du MTMD est mise en œuvre et une analyse de robustesse de la solution optimale en présence d’incertitudes sur la fréquence propre à contrôler est effectuée. Cette étude est menée pour différents jeux de paramètres et une méthode d’optimisation robuste est proposée en combinant la procédure d’optimisation et la théorie Info-Gap. Pour finir, une maquette du système étudié est réalisée ainsi qu’une version simplifiée de son MTMD associé afin de mettre à l’épreuve les règles d’accordage issues des études numériques grâce à une série d’essais vibratoires. / The work carried out during this thesis deals with the study of the dynamic mechanical behavior of passive damping solutions used for the reduction of vibration levels and the stabilization of embedded optronic systems within Thales LAS France company. These solutions integrate elastomer materials with high dissipative power, whose behavior must be perfectly controlled for a good mechanical dimensioning of vibration isolation, despite their dependence on temperature and frequency. The general objective is to improve the knowledge of these material behavior, the characterization techniques, and the method taking into account this behavior in the numerical simulations in order to improve the practices used in the engineering department that design the structures hosting these systems.In this context, the work presented first focuses on the characterization, the modeling and the identification of the viscoelastic behavior of elastomers used in Thales LAS France damping devices. A Generalized Maxwell Model (GMM) is used to describe this behavior, and is introduced into a finite element model of the damper to obtain a satisfactory physical representation of its dynamic mechanical behavior. The problem is rewritten as an original state space representation that is associated with a model reduction strategy to reduce computation times. Various simulations are moreover performed to illustrate the potential of the proposed approach, such as complex modal analysis, frequency response and temporal response. Since temperature has a major influence on the mechanical behavior of elastomers, a specific thermomechanical material model is proposed by identifying the temperature evolution of GMM parameters, and a robustness analysis on the dissipation ability of the damper in the presence of a lack-of-knowledge on this variable is carried out based on the Info-Gap theory.Experimental test results showed the appearance of a softening of the structure under heavy load, suggesting the presence of non-linearities. Another aspect of this thesis deals with the characterization, the modeling and the identification of non-linear phenomena that can impact the dynamic behavior of the damper. Two sources have been highlighted: a material non-linearity related to the dependence of the mechanical characteristics of the elastomers to the rate of deformation (Payne effect), and a contact non-linearity related to the presence of mechanical stops. These behaviors were implemented in a reduced representation of the damper to explain the nonlinear phenomena observed experimentally during the damping device qualification campaigns.Finally, the last part of this thesis deals with the design of a network of tuned mass absorbers (MTMD) in order to reduce the vibratory level of a structural part supporting optical systems. After a formulation of the finite element problem, a procedure for optimizing the parameters of the MTMD is implemented and a robustness analysis of the optimal solution in the presence of uncertainties on the specific eigenfrequency to be controlled is performed. This study is carried out for different sets of parameters and a robust design optimization method is proposed by combining the optimization procedure and the Info-Gap theory. Finally, a model of the studied system is realized as well as a simplified version of its associated MTMD in order to test the tuning rules resulting from numerical studies thanks to a series of experimental tests.

Hydropower research is often perceived to be an old and exhausted field of study but with ageing equipment and the need for more intermittent operation caused by an increased share of other renewable energy sources new challenges lie ahead. The main focus of this dissertation are the electromagnetic forces resulting from nonuniform air gap flux, whether it be caused by rotor eccentricity or a faulty field winding. Results are predominantly obtained from measurements on an experimental generator and numerical simulations. With the computational capacity available today it is possible to numerically analyse physical phenomena that previously could only be studied with analytical tools. Numerical models can also be expanded to encompass more than one aspect of generator operation in coupled field-circuit models without model complexity surpassing computer capability. Three studies of unbalanced magnetic pull, UMP, in synchronous salient pole generators constitute the main part of this thesis. The first is a study of how parallel stator circuits affect the unbalanced magnetic pull caused by rotor eccentricity. Depending on the relationship between the geometry of the separate circuits and the direction of the eccentricity it was found that parallel circuits could reduce the UMP substantially. Secondly, an investigation of the effect of damper winding configuration on UMP was performed. The results showed that damper winding resistivity and the distance between the damper bars in a pole determine the effectiveness of the damper winding in reducing the UMP. Simulations of a production machine indicate that the reduction can be substantial from damper windings with low resistivity. The third study analyses the consequences of field winding interturn short circuits. Apart from a resulting rotating unbalanced magnetic pull it is found that the unaffected poles with the same polarity as the affected pole experience an increase in flux density. In a fourth article a new stand still frequency response, SSFR, test method including measurements of damper winding voltage and current is presented. It is found that the identified models are capable of predicting the stator to damper transfer function both with and without the damper winding measurements included.

No description available.

No description available.

Terremotos recientes han demostrado la gran vulnerabilidad de algunos puentes ante movimiento fuerte. Los de tipo atirantado constituyen una tipología estructural muy atractiva, y que actualmente es empleada para muchos fines prácticos, por lo que es necesaria su protección sísmica. Entre las actuales estrategias de protección, el uso de dispositivos pasivos es la más robusta, económica y apropiada opción para mejorar el desempeño sísmico de estructuras, de entre los que destacan los sistemas de disipación de energía adicional como una buena alternativa. Debido a sus capacidades, fácil recambio y mantención, así como su buen comportamiento mecánico, los amortiguadores de fluidos viscosos son un excelente sistema de disipación de energía para proteger grandes estructuras contra eventos sísmicos intensos. Es por ello que el análisis, evaluación y comparación de la respuesta sísmica no lineal de puentes atirantados de hormigón, con y sin la incorporación de amortiguamiento viscoso suplementario, con el propósito de investigar su efectividad ante eventos sísmicos, es el principal objetivo de esta investigación aplicada. Para alcanzar lo antes expuesto, se definieron previamente ocho modelos teóricos de puentes atirantados basados en los internacionalmente conocidos puentes de Walter [Walter, 1999], considerando variaciones del esquema de atirantamiento, nivel del tablero, tipo de tablero y espaciamiento de los cables. Como punto de partida para el análisis dinámico no lineal, se realizó un análisis estático no lineal para todos los casos. Luego, se llevó a cabo una caracterización dinámica de los puentes mediante un análisis modal. Como primera aproximación a la respuesta sísmica de los modelos, se ejecutó un análisis mediante espectros de respuesta para cada caso, con el propósito de comparar el comportamiento sísmico en función de las principales variaciones consideradas, y para seleccionar los dos modelos más representativos para ser analizados usando análisis no lineal paso-a-paso. En seguida, se analizaron las estructuras elegidas en el paso previo mediante uso de análisis temporal no lineal por integración directa, sin la consideración de amortiguamiento viscoso suplementario, y tomando en cuenta sismos de campo lejano y campo cercano. En este sentido, se aplicaron cinco eventos sísmicos artificiales para el análisis de campo lejano, y cinco eventos reales que incorporasen pulsos de velocidad de período largo para el análisis de campo cercano, según el Capítulo 3. Finalmente, el análisis de la ubicación óptima de los amortiguadores, un estudio paramétrico tendiente a seleccionar los parámetros óptimos de los mismos, y el análisis paso-a-paso no lineal considerando los amortiguadores viscosos definitivos, fueron investigados con la idea de comparar las respuestas en función de la naturaleza del evento sísmico y el tipo de atirantamiento de los cables, considerando los mismos eventos sísmicos antes expuestos. Los resultados de la investigación muestran que la aplicación de amortiguamiento viscoso suplementario es una eficiente estrategia para incrementar el amortiguamiento de una estructura, absorbiendo una gran cantidad de la energía de entrada, y controlando la respuesta de estructuras de período largo, sobre todo en la dirección longitudinal, en donde se manifiestan las mayores respuestas. Más de un 55% de la energía de entrada puede ser disipada usando éstos dispositivos, los cuales resultan ser igualmente efectivos para sismos de campo lejano y campo cercano, con independencia del esquema de atirantamiento empleado, por lo que constituyen una excelente estrategia de protección pasiva. Debido a la gran no linealidad de éstas estructuras, el método del espectro de respuesta debe ser considerado sólo como primera aproximación al problema, y para propósitos comparativos. Para resultados más precisos, y para aplicaciones de diseño, el análisis no lineal paso-a-paso es siempre la mejor opción. Por otro lado, ésta investigación prueba el despreciable efecto del esquema de atirantamiento en la respuesta sísmica, así como el importante aumento de la respuesta cuando son tomados en cuenta los efectos tipo pulso de la directividad de la falla, característicos de sismos de fuente cercana. / Recent seismic events have demonstrated the vulnerability of some bridges under strong ground motions. Cable-stayed bridges are an attractive bridge typology currently used for many practical purposes, constituting important structural systems to be protected against earthquakes. Amongst the current seismic protection strategies, the use of passive devices is the most robust, economic and well-suited option to improve the seismic performance of structures, in which additional energy dissipation systems is good choice. Because of their capacities, easy replacement and maintenance, as well as their interesting mechanical properties, fluid viscous dampers could be an excellent additional energy dissipation system to protect large structural systems against strong earthquakes. For that reason, the analysis, assessment and comparison of the nonlinear seismic response of concrete cable-stayed bridges, with and without the incorporation of nonlinear fluid viscous dampers in order to investigate their effectiveness for seismic protection purposes, is the main objective of this applied research. To reach the proposed objectives, firstly, eight theoretical cable-stayed bridge models based on the well-known Walter's Bridges [Walter, 1999] were defined; considering variations of the stay cable layout, deck level, deck type and stay spacing. As a starting point of the nonlinear dynamic analysis, a nonlinear static analysis was performed for all the cases. After that, the dynamic characterization of the models was carried out by means of a modal analysis. As a first approach of the seismic response of the bridges, response spectrum analysis was performed in order to compare the seismic behaviour as function of the main variations considered, and to select the two most representative bridges to be analyzed using nonlinear time history analysis. The following stage was the seismic analysis of the selected bridge models from the previous step, applying nonlinear direct integration time history analysis, without additional energy dissipation devices, and considering both far-fault and near-fault ground motions. In these sense, five artificially generated earthquake events were considered for the far-fault analysis, as long as five real earthquake events containing long-period velocity pulses were included for the near-fault analysis, according to Chapter 3. Finally, the analysis of the optimal layout of the dampers, a parametric study to select the optimal damper parameters and the nonlinear step-by-step analysis considering the incorporation of the definitive fluid viscous dampers were investigated in order to compare the seismic responses as a function of the earthquake nature and stay cable layout, taking into account the same earthquake events before mentioned. Results of this investigation show that application of fluid viscous dampers as additional passive energy dissipation systems is a very efficient strategy to increase the damping of a structure, absorbing a significant amount of the seismic input energy, and controlling the seismic response of long-period structures, mainly in the longitudinal direction, where the main responses occur. More than 55% of the input energy can be dissipated with these devices, being equally efficient for far-fault and near-fault ground motions, independent on the stay cable layout, which constitutes a very promising strategy to protect cable-stayed bridges against earthquakes. Because of the highly nonlinear behaviour of those structures, response spectrum analysis must be considered only as first approach to the seismic response and for comparative purposes. For more accurate analysis results, and for design applications, nonlinear time-history analysis is a necessary choice. Likewise, it is demonstrated that the effect of the stay cable layout on the nonlinear seismic response of the bridges is not very important, as well as an important increase of the seismic response when forward rupture directivity pulse effects are considered, a characteristic of near-source ground motions.