About the effectiveness of tuned mass dampers on nonlinear systems subjected to earthquakes

The loss of effectiveness of tuned mass dampers supported on nonlinear systems is evaluated and discussed. The stochastic equivalent linearization method (EQL), as well as the Monte Carlo simulation technique are used. Both criteria are applied to several one-bay one-floor frames, having a tuned mass damper (TMD) at their top. Also, a 20-story reinforced concrete frame with a TMD is analyzed using the Monte Carlo technique. The results show the influence of the nonlinearity of the main system on the effectiveness of the TMD: as the nonlinearity grows, the effectiveness decreases.