When it comes to skyscrapers, wind can have an intense effect on the top levels of a super tall, slender building. Strong winds can cause the building to sway, increasing the discomfort of tenants who live on the higher floors. Mitigating the wind-induced motion of a super tall building is crucial, as it can increase occupant comfort as a result and improve overall building performance. Building project teams use a device called a tuned mass damper (TMD) to reduce motion. Ho

Tuned mass dampers experience friction in the real world and must overcome this friction to perform properly.

Dynamic forces on buildings cause movement and cyclic loads. Is damping the secret to more resilient structures? Engineers explore the basic theories of dampers, damping and motion control. What causes structures like buildings and bridges to move? Structures move under the influence of wind, pedestrian loading or seismic action. While this movement is natural and occurs in every structure, it can be a problem when the movement interferes with the activity for which the struc

Vibration must be taken into consideration when structural engineers design and build structures. Vibrations in a structure can occur in a number of different settings and situations including: Vibrations of tall buildings in the wind Vibrations of foundations supporting sensitive equipment in hospitals Vibrations of floor structures including dance floors Vibrations in other horizontal structures like bridges Vibrations can negatively impact occupant comfort and safety, stru