Experimental Evaluation of a Hybrid Vibration Control System for Antenna Masts atop Super-High-Rise Structures via Combined Shake Table–Wind Tunnel Tests

Abstract Antenna masts atop super-high-rise structures (AM–SHRSs) are highly susceptible to whiplash effects and fatigue damage under concurrent earthquake–wind excitations. To enhance their resilience, a hybrid vibration control system (HVCS) composed of isolation bearings, viscous dampers, and metallic dampers was developed and experimentally investigated. The optimal parameters of the HVCS were determined using a genetic algorithm, and their effectiveness was verified via component-level calibration prior to implementation. A 1 ∶ 40 scaled AM–SHRS model was constructed and tested on a newly developed shake table–wind tunnel platform capable of applying simultaneous seismic and wind loads. The experimental program encompassed both individual-hazard and combined multihazard scenarios, incorporating near-field pulse-like and far-field long-period ground motions at three seismic intensities combined with three wind levels to comprehensively assess the HVCS’ performance. Results demonstrated that the HVCS effectively mitigated structural displacements, reducing both roof-level and story-wise responses and improving stability and serviceability. The intended functions of isolation bearings and viscous dampers were confirmed, with the bearings isolating long-period components and the viscous dampers providing stable energy dissipation. Comparable or slightly improved HVCS performance was observed under combined hazards relative to individual loading cases, with modest gains occasionally achieved, particularly under combined far-field long-period motions–wind loading, demonstrating the HVCS’ enhanced effectiveness under multihazard conditions. Overall, the optimized HVCS was experimentally verified as a robust and practical solution for protecting AM–SHRSs against combined earthquake–wind effects, providing valuable insights for the future development of resilient vibration control strategies in SHRSs.