TMD optimization and pushover analysis of chimneys

During last two decades, Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) has attracted a lot of attentions from academic and engineering practice for its reliable effectiveness on vibration control. Several concepts of TMD are proposed and implemented around the world. Along with the population of TMD, a simple nonlinear analysis method called Pushover Analysis is also gathering its practical experiences. With the fast processing time of pushover analysis compared to nonlinear time history analysis and an inside understanding of structures, engineers can predict the dynamic responses of structures under seismic action with sufficient reliability. This work collects 8 chimneys having different geometries and evaluates the performances of TMD on these chimneys. Linear time history analysis of 7 spectrum-compatible accelerograms optimizes the TMD parameters. Results show that the TMD in general reduce the dynamic responses of structures under seismic actions. In some special cases, TMD may have a counter effect. Pushover analysis is further employed to detect the working limit of TMD by changing the stiffness reduction factors of structure elements. Comparisons prove that optimal TMD can maintain a good effectiveness in controlling the dynamic responses even parts of the structure have been getting into plastic behavior.