Vibration control of steel frames with setback irregularities equipped with semi-active tuned mass dampers

Abstract

\n Vibration control of structures has been a focus of research worldwide. Although, several studies have examined the efficiency of semi-active tuned mass dampers (SATMDs) to control the seismic vibration of structures, only a few have focused on the influence of SATMDs on steel moment resisting frames in irregular structures having setbacks. In the current investigation, the use of SATMDs for the vibration control of structures with setbacks subjected to earthquake records has been evaluated. In order to assess the nonlinear seismic performance of buildings with setbacks, the inter-story drift ratio, story displacement, and base shear factor were examined as engineering demand parameters. The results reveal that the use of SATMDs reduced the seismic response of regular and irregular frames with setbacks. However, the use of these control devices requires more attention for structures with significant setbacks because, in some cases, the response of a structure with SATMDs can be greater than of an uncontrolled structure. The investigations also showed that placement of the control systems at the highest (top) level of the structure significantly reduced the structural vibration of both types of structure.