Seismic performance analysis of structure equipped with tuned mass dampers considering nonlinear soil-structure interaction effects

Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) as a vibration control device are widely implemented in many types of structures subjected to seismic loading. The conventional design theory of TMD is based on the assumption of a fixed foundation. When the soil-structure interaction (SSI) effect is prominent, the vibration characteristics of the controlled structure will be changed, which may limit the effectiveness of TMD. In the present study, we aim to comprehensively investigate the effectiveness of TMD by performing seismic response analysis considering nonlinear soil-structure interaction effects. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of soil-pile foundation-structure-TMD system is first built. The reduced seismic response of the TMD considering SSI is investigated. The comprehensive parametric sensitivity analysis is carried out, including ground motions, and soil shear wave velocity. The effect of different main structure frequencies on the seismic reduction performance of the TMD is investigated. The results reveal that the SSI effect has a detrimental effect on the effectiveness of TMD. The structural seismic response can be reduced after considering the soil nonlinear, and the soil nonlinear is favorable to the effectiveness of TMD. The performance of TMD is significantly related to the characteristics of the input ground motions. The TMD reduction performance is improved for large mass ratios. The dampers' ' stiffness and damping of the TMD system are specified according to the TMD design criteria, and the TMD provides better effectiveness performance. The design criterion based on soil-structure system frequency can significantly increase TMD performance for soft soil conditions compared with the design criterion based on the fixed foundation.