Dynamic Tests on a Concrete Slab with a Tuned Mass Damper

Nowadays, structures became more slender and flexible due to lighter materials with great resistance, compared to traditional materials used in construction. This fact provides to structural systems with low natural frequencies. High amplitude vibrations can be experienced, when the structures are subjected to people walking, running, jumping, dancing, activities that are characterized by periodical low frequency forces. Various solutions can be taken, such as techniques to stiffen all the structure, which can result a non-economical solution and not practical. Other alternative that can be more economical and executable is to install tuned mass dampers (TMD) at the building structure, that vibrate out of phase with the main system, transferring the mechanical energy to the additional mass. In this work, excessive vibrations in concrete slabs are studied through testing a dynamic platform very flexible where it is installed a TMD. The tests simulate human activities such as walking, jumping or dancing. Vibrations amplitudes of the platform are compared with and without TMD installation, finding a good reduction on these amplitudes with this structural control device. The TMD designed has a dry friction mechanism to reduce the response of the additional mass, controlling excessive vibration caused by human activities in building floors