The present work describes part of the R&D on using a semi-active structural control technique in a civil
engineering experimental model frame equipped with a MR damper, developed within COVICOCEPAD project
approved in the framework of Eurocores program S3T. Some results are provided associated with the calibration
of a MR damper at FEUP as well as on the experimental modal identification of the dynamic properties of a
small-scale metallic frame, without and with inclusion of a specific MR device. Some numerical results of the
controlled frame under simulated earthquakes are given, to be later compared with the experimental results of
such frame installed in a Quanser shaking table