Performance Evaluation of Tuned Mass Dampers against Progressive Collapse in Steel Structures during an Earthquake

Progressive collapse is a catastrophic phenomenon in structural engineering influenced by various factors such as human negligence and natural disasters. The primary mechanism of progressive collapse involves localized damage to a structural element, leading to significant deformations and forces in a portion of the structure, ultimately resulting in the complete collapse of the entire structure. Tuned mass dampers (TMD) are adjustable control systems used to mitigate structural vibrations when the structure is subjected to dynamic lateral loads. Since Iran is situated in an earthquake-prone zone, evaluating this issue during earthquakes is highly crucial. On the other hand, engineers nowadays use TMDs to reduce structural vibrations. However, the performance of these dampers in mitigating progressive collapse has received less attention. This study investigates the effect of TMDs on progressive collapse in three-, six-, and 10-story steel structures with intermediate moment-resisting frames. The research considers the plastic hinges rotation and the robustness of the structure through nonlinear dynamic analysis as well as the structural performance based on the vertical displacement of the damaged member in the OpenSees software. Results indicate the significant role of TMD in reducing this phenomenon. In such way by using TMD dampers, 30% reduction in the rotation of plastic hinges for internal column and 40% reduction in the rotation of plastic hinges for external column also, 29% reduction in the displacement of the damaged member are observed.