Effects of Bracing Stiffness and Viscoelastic Damping on Enhancing Vibration Control in Buildings

Abstract

This study investigates the synergistic effects of viscoelastic damping and bracing stiffness on enhancing vibration control in tall buildings. The research transitions from a theoretical single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system to a practical application on a 50-story high-rise building model. Numerical simulations were constructed using Maxwell damper models in MATLAB, systematically varying damping coefficients and spring stiffness. For the SDOF system, an optimal stiffness ratio (km/k) of approximately 0.4 was identified, which effectively balanced acceleration and displacement responses. This optimal ratio varied with the excitation frequency ratio (ω/ωn) and load type: for wind excitations (ω/ωn<0.8), km/k≈0.2 was most effective, whereas for earthquake excitations (ω/ωn>0.8), km/k>10 proved beneficial. Here, it is shown that the integration of a magnetorheological (MR) damper with a bracing system significantly enhances the modal damping ratio from 1% to 10% in the finite-element model of the building. The findings reveal that a decentralized control law optimally reduces accelerations under wind loads, marking a departure from previous assumptions about damping effectiveness in high-rise structures. Furthermore, incorporating realistic bracing elements within the damping system led to an additional reduction in acceleration responses by up to 10%, significantly improving energy dissipation under dynamic loading conditions. These results underscore practical strategies for enhancing the safety and resilience of high-rise buildings, with implications extending to diverse architectural contexts and other structures subjected to dynamic forces, including long-span bridges and industrial facilities. This research not only advances our understanding of vibration control mechanisms but also provides a foundation for future developments in structural engineering practices. The findings from this study hold substantial implications for the design and construction of tall buildings and other structures subjected to dynamic forces, such as bridges and industrial facilities. By optimizing the integration of viscoelastic damping and bracing stiffness, engineers can significantly enhance vibration control, thereby bolstering the safety and resilience of structures against wind and seismic loads. The identified optimal stiffness ratios serve as practical guidelines for selecting damper configurations that effectively minimize accelerations and displacements during extreme weather events or earthquakes. Moreover, the incorporation of MR dampers alongside traditional bracing systems enables real-time adjustments to damping performance, allowing for customization tailored to specific structural requirements and environmental conditions. This adaptive approach not only enhances energy dissipation but also extends the life span of structural components by mitigating fatigue-induced by dynamic loading. Ultimately, the strategies developed in this research foster more sustainable architectural practices by promoting safer and more resilient urban environments. These advancements pave the way for innovative engineering solutions that address the challenges posed by dynamic forces, ensuring that future structures are equipped to withstand the rigors of their environments while maintaining functionality and safety.