This paper presents linear-quadratic-Gaussian synthesis with a loop-tr
ansfer-recovery (LQG/LTR) control method for civil engineering structu
res under seismic loads. A combination of collocated velocity feedback
and the model-order reduction technique is found to lead to a simplif
ied model of the structure; using a singular-value robustness criterio
n, the reduced model is proven to be satisfactory for the design of a
LQG/LTR controller. The active structural controller design is then ob
tained through the following four steps: (1) Collocated velocity feedb
ack to damp important structural modes; (2) model reduction of structu
res with collocated velocity feedback loop closed; (3) considerations
of design specifications; and (4) LQG/LTR controller design. The four-
step design procedure and the issue associated with the sensitivity of
closed-loop stability are also discussed in this paper.