Robust Optimum Design of Tuned Mass Dampers to Mitigate Pedestrian-Induced Vibrations Using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithms

Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are well-known control devices used widely to mitigate the pedestrian-induced vibrations on footbridges. The main purpose of this study is the robust optimum design of TMDs using multi-objective genetic algorithms in order to control the pedestrian-induced vibrations on footbridges considering the uncertainties associated with their modal properties. The performance of the TMD is improved via the robust optimum design of its modal parameters using multi-objective genetic algorithms. As an example, a benchmark footbridge, modelled by frame and shell elements, is used to assess numerically the performance and accuracy of the proposed method. The pedestrian action is simulated by an equivalent harmonic load. The proposed method is compared with the conventional Den Hartog’s proposal. The results show that this new method is more effective than the conventional proposal and the resulting damping device is more economic due to the smaller value of its design parameters.