Abstract

A tuned mass damper (TMD) is a simple, reliable and effective vibration control device employed in many civil engineering structures around the world, ranging from pedestrian bridges to the tallest skyscrapers. TMDs may be used for a whole range of dynamic loading scenarios, though they are primarily used to resist wind and seismic loads which structures may be subjected to. Traditionally, TMDs have been designed (its parameters have been optimised) based on structural (fixed-base) properties alone. However, soil foundations may have a significant influence on the dynamic response behaviour of structures. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of studies into TMDs have been analytical in nature. As part of this research, a series of geotechnical centrifuge tests were conducted to investigate the seismic response behaviour of sway frame structures for a range of soil foundations and different TMD configurations. The experimental test-set ups and results will be presented during this talk.