Optimum design of tuned mass dampers using multi-objective cuckoo search for buildings under seismic excitations

Abstract

This study focuses on the problem of optimum selection of tuned mass dampers (TMDs) parameters for buildings under seismic excitations. Vibration control of structure under seismic excitations for reduction of structural damages and comfort/serviceability considerations is addressed by employing a design process based on multi-objective cuckoo search (MOCS) for simultaneous reduction of seismic responses of the structures in the terms of displacement and acceleration of stories and tuning of TMD with a smaller mass ratio. The numerical studies are carried out on two benchmark buildings. In comparison with several other documented methods, the performance of the MOCS for the optimal design of TMDs is evaluated. The results show that the MOCS performs better than other strategies in term of the simultaneous reduction of maximum displacements and accelerations of the structures subjected to different seismic excitations. Furthermore, the feasibility of MOCS to choose a smaller mass, stiffness, and damping is assessed. The simulation results confirm that the MOCS is able to present a solution leading to a more practical and economic selection of TMD parameters with a choice of a smaller mass, stiffness, and damping so that it is capable of maintaining the desired level of the reduction of structural responses in different earthquake excitations. Keywords: Structural control, Seismic excitations, Tuned mass damper, Multi-objective optimisation, Cuckoo search, Optimum design