Bionic optimisation of the earthquake resistance of high buildings by tuned mass dampers

The optimisation of earthquake resistance of high buildings by multi-tuned mass dampers was investigated using bionic algorithms. In bionic or evolutionary optimisation studies the properties of parents are crossed and mutated to produce a new generation with slightly different properties. The kids which best satisfy the object of the study, become the parents of the next generation. After a series of generations essential improvements of the object may be observed. Tuned mass dampers are widely used to reduce the impact of dynamic excitations on structures. A single mass system and multi-mass oscillators help to explain the mechanics of the dampers. To apply the bionic optimisation strategy to high buildings with passive tuned mass dampers subject to seismic loading a special beam element has been developed. In addition to the 6 degrees of freedom of a conventional beam element, it has 2 degrees of freedom for the displacements of the dampers. It allows for fast studies of many variants. As central result, efficient designs for damping systems along the height of an edifice are found. The impact on the structure may be reduced essentially by the use of such dampers designed to interact in an optimal way.