Analysis on the optimum performance of Tuned Mass Damper devices in the context of earthquake engineering

The mitigation of the dynamic response of buildings and structures to earthquakes is one of the fundamental aims within the design of vibration control devices. In this sense, Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) devices are generally conceived as useful and efficient means for the control of the dynamic response of structures and constructions, especially when considering ideal dynamic excitations. However, their optimum tuning and relevant performance in effectively reducing the seismic response of civil structures is currently an open topic, mostly due to the intrinsic nature of the (passive) device and the uncertainty and unpredictability of the earthquake event. The present paper deals with the concept of optimisation of the TMD at given seismic input, to assess the optimum TMD parameters for each seismic event. In this study, the optimisation of TMDs is firstly carried out within a range of earthquakes and primary frame structures, in order to achieve the ideal optimum setting for each considered case. Then, the outcomes of the investigation are gathered and analysed all together, to outline general trends and characteristics, towards possible effective design of TMDs in the seismic context. The output of this paper should enrich the current knowledge on this topic towards potential extensive applications of TMDs in the field of earthquake engineering.