Tuned vibration absorbers for control of tall buildings under wind and earthquake loads

This study presents an application of tuned vibration absorbers (TVAs) to reduce dynamic response of tall buildings under multiple excitations such as wind and earthquake ground motion. A finite element model of a typical tall building is prepared with rotational degrees of freedom reduced by static condensation. Mechanical models of TVAs are incorporated in the model. The coupled equations of motion are formulated and solved using numerical methods. The uncontrolled building (NC) and the controlled building are subjected to a number of near fault earthquake ground motions and wind forces (mass excitations). The effectiveness of using multiple TVAs as opposed to a single TVA (STVA) is investigated. The design parameters affecting the effectiveness of the TVA arrangements are chosen to investigate optimal setups. It is observed that STVA are more effective for wind response mitigation than seismic response mitigation of tall buildings. Multiple TVAs are, however, found to be effective for controlling both wind and earthquake induced vibrations. It is concluded that optimally designed TVAs are effective in controlling vibration of buildings subjected to action of wind and earthquake loads.