Enhancing CLT floor vibration mitigation with pre-strained shape memory alloy-tuned mass dampers

Cross-laminated timber (CLT), recognised for its environmental benefits, faces challenges in its excessive humaninduced vibration due to its lightweight nature. This research investigates the application of a tuned mass damper (TMD) for vibration control in CLT floor slabs, focusing on enhancing the structural performance of using this sustainable building material. The study introduces a solution by integrating Shape memory alloy (SMA) into TMD systems (SMA-TMD), utilising the properties of SMAs for effective self-centring and consistent damping, and it aims to incorporate pre-strained SMAs into TMDs to improve the damping performance of the system. Experimental testing and finite element simulations confirm that pre-straining SMA bars not only contribute to the self-centring but also considerably increase the equivalent viscous damping ratio of the SMA-TMD. Findings from the simulations demonstrate that the optimised SMA-TMD system can substantially reduce CLT floor vibration and accelerates the energy dissipation effect under human footfall loadings, overcoming one of the primary limitations of CLT in construction applications. This advancement supports the broader adoption of CLT as a sustainable building material by providing a viable solution for vibration control.