Floor Vibration Control Using Three-Degree-of-Freedom Tuned Mass Dampers

The use of high-strength material in buildings has resulted in the use of less building materials and, consequently, a high level of flexibility in buildings, making them vibration prone. For example, high-strength concrete has lowered the thickness of concrete slabs used in the floors of steel/concrete buildings, such as office buildings and shopping centers, resulting in excessive floor vibration stemming from heavy traffic and normal human activity. Although not dangerous, such vibration is highly annoying to the occupants of the building. The authors have been working on the use of three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) tuned mass dampers (TMD) to abate floor vibration. Such TMDs can provide improved effectiveness over a traditional one-degree-of-freedom TMD and yet possess all of the attractive features of a traditional TMD; namely, simplicity and low cost. As in a 1-DOF TMD, this device will be installed on a concrete floor slab, at an optimally designed/chosen location.