Stochastic optimum design of linear tuned mass dampers for seismic protection of high towers

This work deals with the design optimization of tuned mass damper (TMD) devices used for mitigating vibrations in high-rise towers subjected to seismic accelerations. A stochastic approach is developed and the excitation is represented by a stationary filtered stochastic process. The effectiveness of the vibration control strategy is evaluated by expressing the objective function as the reduction factor of the structural response in terms of displacement and absolute acceleration. The mechanical characteristics of the tuned mass damper represent the design variables. Analyses of sensitivities are carried out by varying the input and structural parameters in order to assess the efficiency of the TMD strategy. Variations between two different criteria are also evaluated.