Dynamic simulation of unrestrained interlocking Tuned Liquid Damper blocks

Abstract

The objective of the study is to develop a new construction material as an alternative for expensive dampers. A Tuned Liquid Damper (TLD) system that is cast in a concrete masonry unit has been proposed. The block has been examined in its individual characteristics to consider the resonant effect of the building subjected to a wide range of water depth, dw, from 5mm to 80mm. The TLD block was designed to internal dimensions of 190mm (length)×60mm (width)×90mm (height) in accordance to the Uniform Building Code (UBC) and Eurocode 8. Sine-sweep responses results were plotted in transmissibility ratio, ut/ug to frequency ratio, ω/ωn. The block at a depth of dw was simulated and empirically calculated. Tests for dw of 50mm, 60mm, and 70mm have verified the fundamental frequency, fn, to be similar with the simulated and calculated eigenvalues. Further study of the combined structural model and TLD blocks test as a system has been compared with the numerical simulations. The results varied by approximately 2%. The system has recorded reduction of responses immediately at the test of dw, 5–80mm. Optimum performance has been recorded at 60mm. The test results employed half-power bandwidth to obtain the damping ratio. The damping has been contributed by both viscous damping component and inertia of the moving water body. The Rayleigh stiffness damping component has not been identified to participate in the forced excitation performance reduction. It was found that the new innovative block with tuned liquid can significantly increase the damping characteristics. Hence, the research is necessary to propose an alternative new construction material to withstand earthquake and wind disasters on buildings.