Theoretical and Experimental Study of Vibration Reduction in Braced Domes Using a Viscous Damper System

Abstract

A vibration reducing system with viscous dampers is introduced for braced domes. A finite element analysis algorithm of the vibration reducing system with viscous dampers has been developed and a number of numerical calculations on vibration reduction have been undertaken. Viscous dampers, which are suitable for braced domes, have been designed and manufactured and the performance testing of them has also been completed. On this basis, one K6, braced dome model, has been designed and constructed. This braced dome model, incorporating the viscous dampers, was then tested using a shaking table. All of the experiments undertaken show that the vibration reducing system using viscous dampers, can be applied to full size braced domes structures.