Performance of Multi-TMD in the Towers of Suspension Bridges

Abstract

The convenience of Tuned Mass Dampers for the reduction of the gust response is investigated for the case of the towers of suspension bridges. For this special typology the design must pursue effectiveness, robustness and redundancy performance. Suitable solutions are multi-device provisions (MTMD), with distributed mass, frequency and damping. Increasing the robustness of MTMD against mistuning beyond the optimal configuration produces a loss of efficiency: as a result the final choice is determined only at the end of the constructive process. A brief discussion is reported on the weak performance to seismic excitation.