Performance of multiple tuned inerter dampers optimized by a cultural algorithm to control response in buildings subjected to ground acceleration

The reduction of the response parameters of civil structures subjected to the action of wind or ground accelerations is one of the main objectives of the implementation of a structural control system. Many investigations have been developed to make progress and contributions to the design and implementation of effective, reliable, and economical control devices. Therefore, this paper explores the performance of different configurations of multiple Tuned Inerter Dampers (TIDs) in buildings excited by earthquakes. TIDs are passive control devices that enhance a viscous damper by incorporating a novel mechanism known as an inerter. The inerter amplifies an apparent mass that is used to dissipate energy in the controlled system. Four different control alternatives with one, two, three, and four TIDs in the structure are studied. The determination of the optimal design parameters of the different control alternatives was carried out using a novel and very promising optimization process based on a Cultural Algorithm (CA), which has great potential due to being a fast, precise, and reliable method, which is not traditionally associated with the optimization of seismic protection devices. The CA was tuned through a parametric study and compared in terms of performance with an optimization process based on an exhaustive search. A case study of a 12 -story building subjected to the action of different ground motions was developed in which the proposed optimal control alternatives were tested. The results showed a significant effectiveness of the control alternatives using multiple TIDs, achieving reductions in peak displacements, RMS values of the maximum displacements and the maximum interstory drifts of up to 54 %.