Damping Performance of the Combined Damping System Under Earthquake Action and its Application to Frame Structures

Compared to traditional tuned mass dampers (TMDs) and particle dampers, a combined damping system (CTP), which integrates a TMD with a multiple unidirectional single-particle damper (MUSPD) in parallel, provides better damping performance, a wider damping frequency band, and greater robustness. However, existing studies focus on evaluating CTP performance in single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems, with limited investigation into its effectiveness in frame structures. To address this gap, a performance design approach for CTP-controlled frame structures was proposed. Shaking table tests were conducted on a scaled three-story steel frame model, both with and without TMD and CTP, to examine the effects of damper placement and seismic characteristics on CTP performance, and to compare the damping efficacy of TMD and CTP. Subsequently, a mechanical model and corresponding simulation method for CTP-controlled frames were then developed. Based on these analyses, a CTP design methodology was proposed and applied to seismic analysis of a benchmark model. Test results demonstrated that the CTP significantly reduced structural responses, particularly in reducing root mean square (RMS) responses more effectively than peak responses. The CTP also showed superior performance under long-period ground motions, outperforming the TMD in damping efficiency. The proposed simulation method accurately predicted dynamic responses with dampers placed on any story. Overall, the CTP design methodology proved effective for the seismic design of frame structures.