Structural systems and tuned mass dampers of super-tall buildings : case study of Taipei 101

Abstract

The design of the first generation of skyscrapers was based on strength. Heavy masonry cladding and wall curtains used at that period added a considerable amount of stiffness and damping to the structure. Inter-storey drifts and peak accelerations were relatively small. Advances in the material science technology enabled the use of high-performance concrete, steel and composite sections. The former combined with the use of sophisticated 3-D structural design software packages resulted in the evolution of a new generation of more economical and structurally efficient skyscrapers. However, the increased flexibility and lower damping makes these structures more vulnerable to wind induced vibrations, causing severe human discomfort due to excessive accelerations. Several solutions have been engineered to mitigate the motions of Super-Tall buildings including structural, aerodynamic and auxiliary changes with the goal of increasing the inherent damping of the building.

(cont.) The current thesis is comprised of three parts: a review of past and current trends in structural systems of tall buildings, including a comparison of the twenty tallest buildings globally; an investigation of passive control-Tuned Mass Dampers-with also several examples of structures which have such a system; and a demonstration of the effectiveness of Tuned Mass Dampers through a case study of the current tallest building to the structural top in the world, a 508m tremendous architectural, engineering and construction achievement - Taipei 101. The change in the response of the tower due to a wind-induced vibration is illustrated by performing a time-history analysis with and without the TMD in a SAP2000 model. Finally, recommendations for future research in the field of distributed TMDs are offered.