The use of tuned mass dampers to control annoying floor vibrations

Abstract

Floor vibrations due to occupancy activities on a floor are sometimes annoying to the occupants. Correcting floor vibrations is difficult and can be expensive. The use of tuned mass dampers to control annoying floor vibrations is sometimes a viable solution.

Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) have been used primarily to control only one or two modes of vibration of a floor. Experimental research was performed using prototype TMDs to control one, two, and three modes of vibration of various floors. Results from this research are presented in this thesis. Analytical research, performed to obtain information about floor vibration characteristics, is presented and used for the initial design of TMDs and placement of TMDs on a floor. Also, computer models of the floors with TMDs to control one, two, and three modes of vibration were analyzed to obtain further information about changes in floor response and vibration characteristics. This research was performed to provide further insight on the effectiveness of TMDs to control one, two, and three modes of floor vibration and the effects of TMDs on floor vibration characteristics.