Comparison of Passive and Active Tuned Mass Dampers for Structures Subjected to Earthquake Excitations

Passive and active control systems have been used in practical applications for new or existing structures. Active systems have generally better performance compared to passive ones, but the control force ad time-delay effects in the production of this control force are needed to be considered. In this study, passive tuned mass dampers (TMDs) and active tuned mass dampers (ATMDs) are compared for structures subjected to earthquake motions. For optimization of both systems, an improved harmony search algorithm is proposed. In the optimum design of ATMD, time-delay and control force limitation are considered. The comparison is presented for a 15-story reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure. According to the results, ATMD is effective than TMD in the reduction of structural displacement.