Effectiveness of Particle Tuned Mass Dampers in Buildings Subjected to Narrow-Band Seismic Excitations

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Particle Tuned Mass Dampers (PTMD) in attenuating structural vibrations in buildings subjected to narrow-band seismic excitations. PTMDs are passive energy dissipation devices capable of reducing the lateral response of the primary structural system. First, the maximum displacement response of a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system was assessed for three configurations: 1) a SDOF system without a damper; 2) a SDOF system with a Tuned Mass Damper (TMD); and 3) a SDOF system with a PTMD. Then, the response of 11-storey and 17-storey three-bay reinforced concrete linear frames with PTMDs, TMDs, and without dampers was analyzed under narrow-band seismic motions. Results indicate that the main advantage of a PTMD is the significant reduction in lateral displacements and accelerations when the ratio between the predominant frequencies of the ground motion and the building is close to unity, and the first mode dominates the structural response. The findings of this study provide guidance for practicing engineers to assess the feasibility of using PTMDs in new or existing structures subjected to narrow-band earthquake excitations, in regions such as Mexico City.