Evaluating the Seismic Performance of Advanced Tuned Mass Dampers Considering Soil–Structure Interaction Effect

Abstract

This study examines the seismic effectiveness of four different tuned mass damper (TMD) configurations: classical TMD, Tuned Mass Damper Inerter (TMDI), Elastoplastic Tuned Mass Damper Inerter (PTMDI), and Dual-Stiffness Tuned Mass Damper (DSTMD), focusing on their ability to reduce structural responses. A model of a 10-story steel shear frame is used, accounting for soil–structure interaction (SSI) effect to represent realistic conditions. The damper parameters are optimized using the Mouth Brooding Fish (MBF) algorithm with a hybrid objective function combining normalized peak displacement and kinetic energy reduction. The optimization process is tested against fourteen near- and far-field earthquake scenarios, with an additional ten records used to validate performance. The findings reveal that, under fixed-base conditions, TMD and TMDI achieve the largest displacement reductions (37.6% and 37.5%, respectively), while PTMDI provides the greatest kinetic energy mitigation (56.4%). DSTMD shows moderate reductions in both responses (≈ 23% displacement, 29.3% energy). When soil–structure interaction is considered, the efficiency of all systems decreases. TMDI maintains the best displacement reduction (12.9%), whereas PTMDI offers the highest energy reduction (25.5%). Additional assessments of roof acceleration and base shear highlight important trade-offs, stressing the importance of a multidimensional evaluation. In summary, this research underscores the significance of energy-based metrics and the influence of the SSI effect in evaluating dampers. Instead of advocating for or against any specific system, the analysis offers a comparative perspective on their performance under various conditions, helping to inform decisions in performance-based seismic design. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.