Damping considerations in tall buildings

Abstract Three major components that structural engineers can work with in tall building designs are mass, stiffness, and damping. Usually mass and stiffness are the most common elements that are modified, but also damping can be used to enhance building performance. Understanding how damping play a major role in tall building design is the scope of this chapter. The influence of damping can be understood starting from the basic theory of building dynamics, together with studying the major sources of intrinsic damping. In addition, the effect of supplementary damping on building response, when excited from wind- and seismic-motion, is considered a fundamental approach to enhance building occupancy comfort and vibration. This can be done not only through theoretical studies but also looking at economical aspects with the life-cycle analysis of the building.