TUNED MASS CONTROL

TUNED MASS DAMPERS FOR BRIDGES, FLOORS AND TALL STRUCTURES

There are generally three types of applications that often
require the use of tuned mass dampers:
1. Tall, free-standing structures (bridges, pylons,
chimneys, antennas and TV towers) may be excited by
wind forces, with dangerous Eigenform amplitudes.
2. Smaller bridges, e.g. pedestrian bridges, and tribunes
may be excited by vehicle or foot traffic. Although
usually not dangerous to the structure itself, vibrations
may become very unpleasant to people on the bridge or
tribune.
3. Structures may have machine-induced vibrations.
Vertical or horizontal TMDs are tuned to the disturbing
frequency of the machine (e.g., excitation by unbalance
forces).
In any case GERB tuned mass dampers help reduce vibrations.
The TMD may be included in the original design of the
structure, or may be installed later.