The goal of this paper is to study the complicated optimal design problem o
f integrating the number of actuators, the configuration of the actuators a
nd the active control algorithms in buildings excited by strong wind force.
To do this, the following sequential studies are carried out: (1) Two cont
rol algorithms, linear quadratic regulator (LQR) and acceleration feedback
control algorithm, are analyzed and used as the control algorithms. (2) The
characteristics of the optimal design problem are analyzed in detail by a
simulation study. (3) A multi-level optimization model is proposed, and the
formulation of sub-optimization problems in each level is presented. (4) T
o solve the multi-level optimization problem, a multi-level genetic algorit
hm (MLGA) is proposed. The properties and implementation of MLGA are given
and analyzed in detail. Finally, the optimal design model and the correspon
ding solving algorithm are tested by numerical simulation. The results show
that: (1) in the design of actively controlled structures subjected to str
ong wind excitation, the problem of considering the number of actuators, th
e position of actuators and the control algorithm simultaneously is of a mu
lti-level design optimization with the properties of non-linearity, discret
eness and so an. (2) This kind of optimization problem should be described
naturally by the multi-level design model. (3) The multi-level genetic algo
rithm can solve this complicated problem effectively. (4) The optimal locat
ions of actuators depend on the control approaches. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scien
ce Ltd. All rights reserved.