Optimal Design and Seismic Performance of Base-Isolated Structures with Varying Heights Equipped with Tuned Inerter Dampers Subjected to Far-Fault and Near-Fault Ground Motions

This paper investigates the optimal design of base-isolated structures equipped with tuned inerter dampers (TIDs) subjected to various ground motions. The Clough–Penzien model is employed to simulate the power spectrum of three types of ground motions: far-fault, near-fault without pulse subset, and near-fault with pulse subset, with the relevant parameters identified based on actual ground motions. The optimal parameters of the TID for base-isolated structures are determined using the H2 optimization criterion to reduce the structural displacement response. The impact of relevant design properties about the optimal parameters is analyzed. The seismic control effectiveness of the TID for 5-storey, 10-storey, and 15-storey base-isolated structures with varying heights is then evaluated through time history analysis, considering far-fault, near-fault without pulse subset, and near-fault with pulse subset ground motions. The main conclusions of this study are as follows: the ground motion type, the natural vibration period of the isolated structure, the damping ratio of the isolated structure and the mass ratio of the TID all affect the optimal parameters and should be analyzed based on specific circumstances. The control effectiveness of the TID on displacement and acceleration response is more pronounced under far-fault ground motion than under near-fault ground motion. The TID equipped in the isolation storey exhibits considerable effectiveness in controlling the seismic response of 5-storey and 10-storey base isolated structures, while it exhibits weaker control over the seismic response of the 15-storey structure. Additionally, while the TID primarily targets displacement response control, it also exhibits substantial control over the absolute acceleration response of the structure.