Seismic energy dissipation and vibration mitigation through a PVDF-based hybrid base isolation system with electromagnetic control

This study introduces and validates a novel hybrid base isolation system that combines

piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layers with electromagnetic control for enhanced seismic energy dissipation and vibration mitigation. Numerical modeling in ANSYS confirmed that PVDF layers convert seismic-induced strains into electrical energy,

which subsequently powers electromagnets to produce control forces. Shaking table experiments were conducted on eight 1/10-scale steel frame models—including both regular

and irregular configurations (torsional irregularity, soft-story, and vertical discontinuity)—

under 11 representative earthquake records from Türkiye. Furthermore, PVDF layers generated voltage outputs up to 102V, demonstrating the feasibility of self-powered operation.

While these results are promising, the measured voltage outputs may vary depending

on structural irregularities and earthquake frequency content, and the repeatability of results is subject to experimental and scaling limitations. Nevertheless, the overall findings

confirm that the hybrid system not only improves structural resilience but also provides

sustainable seismic energy dissipation, offering a promising pathway for both existing and

newly designed buildings.