Recent research demonstrates that lightweight and compact inerters, similar to those developed for the suspension systems of Formula 1 cars, can reduce the required weight of tuned mass dampers by up to 70 percent, harvest energy from wind-induced oscillations, and lessen carbonemissions by using fewer construction materials.
A City, University of London academic is developing new vibration-control devices based on Formula 1 technology permitting “needle-like" skyscrapers to be built which can withstand high winds.
Current devices called tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are fitted in the top floors of tall buildings to act as heavyweight pendulums counteracting building movement caused by winds and earthquakes. But they weigh up to 1,000 tons and span five storeys in 100-storey buildings – adding millions of pounds to building costs and using up premium space in tight city centres.
Research work published by Dr Agathoklis Giaralis and his colleagues in the November 2019 edition of the Engineering Structures journal (Optimal tuned mass damper inter design in wind-excited tall buildings for occupants’ comfort serviceability, preferences and energy harvesting), found that lightweight and compact inerters, similar to those developed for the suspension systems of Formula 1 cars, can reduce the required weight of current TMDs by up to 70%.
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