Multiple-Tuned Mass Dampers for Multimodal Control of Pedestrian Bridges

This paper deals with the allocation and sizing of multiple-tuned mass dampers (MTMDs) in an attempt to retrofit footbridges with multiple critical modes resulting from the excitation of pedestrian traffic. The simple and practical methodology proposed herein includes the use of an iterative analysis/redesign type procedure that converges to a given allowable level of accelerations. An example that uses this methodology to retrofit an existing footbridge is presented.