| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R15252/01 |
| Title: |
Impact Dampers For Control of Civil Engineering Structures |
| Principal Investigator: |
Darby, Dr A P |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Architecture and Civil Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Bath |
| Scheme: |
Fast Stream |
| Starts: |
27 September 2001 |
Ends: |
26 November 2004 |
Value (£): |
61,643
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Civil Engineering Materials |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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As structures become longer and taller, the need to control their dynamic response with respect to both wind induced disturbances and earthquake ground motions becomes more and more important. A number of strategies have been, and are being, investigated, which both passively and actively reduce the response of these structures. One such method, which has received little attention by structural engineers (although it has more widely been investigated by mechanical engineers) is the use of impact dampers. Impact dampers are a variant of the commonly used tuned mass dampers. However, rather than being connected to the structure via a spring and damping mechanism, the mass is allowed to move freely (unidirectionally), exchanging momentum on impact with the structure and dissipating energy as much higher frequency components as well as noise and heat. This can be very effective over a large frequency range, not just near resonance and also requires much less trawl of the mass than tuned mass dampers. The effect is to dramatically reduce the displacement response of the structure although it has the drawback that large accelerations can be applied to the structure. The aim of this research proposal is to examine the performance of this type of damper, through the use of testing on scale models and through non-linear numerical simulations.The effects of friction, modifications to the buffer compliance, gap sizes and different size masses will all be examined in order to ascertain optimal performance and reduce accelerations, which is particularly important for occupied structures. Hybrid tuned-mass/impact dampers will also be investigated. Additionally, the use of multiple impact dampers will be examined by testing a multi-storey structure with dampers of differing properties. All of these studies will be linked in terms of a common numerical modelling basis.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.bath.ac.uk |