Optimization of Multiple Viscoelastic-Connected Tuned Mass Dampers Using Genetic Algorithm
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Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) are widely used as effective supplementary damping devices for mitigating structural vibrations in high-rise buildings. Previous studies have primarily focused on TMD systems integrated with viscous dampers. This study proposes a Multiple Viscoelastic-Connected Tuned Mass Damper (MVTMD) system, in which adjacent TMD units are linked through viscoelastic elements that simultaneously contribute stiffness and damping, enhancing energy dissipation capacity and robustness against frequency variations. A comprehensive parametric investigation was conducted to identify the key parameters governing the performance of the proposed system. Owing to the complexity and interdependence of these parameters, a real-coded genetic algorithm was employed for multi-parameter optimization. The developed MATLAB model was validated against benchmark studies and showed good agreement with previously published results. The performance of the optimized MVTMD system was evaluated and compared with that of a conventional Single Tuned Mass Damper (STMD) under both harmonic and earthquake excitations. Under harmonic loading, the proposed MVTMD consistently outperformed the optimal STMD by producing flatter dynamic magnification factor (DMF) curves and achieving displacement reductions of 12.90%, 9.70%, and 15.50% for the five-, twenty-five-, and fifty-story buildings, respectively. Consistent improvements were also observed under earthquake excitations, confirming the system's superior vibration mitigation capability and robustness across a wide range of loading conditions.
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