ABSTRACT
In recent years, many experts and scholars at home and abroad have performed a lot of theoretical and experimental studies on placement and parametric optimization of structures with viscous dampers and highly effective results were obtained, which established favorable foundation for engineering applications of dampers in all kinds of structures. Takewaki (1997) & Moreschi (1998) used a gradient-based approach to search for the optimal solution that would minimize a desired system transfer function. Tsuji & Nakamura (1996) proposed an algorithm to find both the optimal story stiffness distribution and the optimal damper distribution for a shear building model subjected to a set of spectrum-compatible earthquakes. Silva (1981) presented a gradient algorithm for the optimal design of discrete passive dampers in the vibration control of a class of flexible systems. The algorithm are aimed at making the modal damping and natural frequencies of the system reach the preassigned values. Ou (1998) studied parameter influence of passive energy dissipators, viscous, viscoelastic, metallic and frictional dampers in series with bracingmembers on suppressive effectiveness of structural vibration under earthquake and suggested the rational range of parameters for the design of passive energy dissipation systems. Zhou & Xu (1998) proposed five different optimum design methods for installation of dampers in structure and presented an example about optimum control analysis of a ten-floor reinforced concrete. Trombetti & Silvestri (2004, 2007) studied analytical formulation and efficiency of MPD system in shear-type structures with viscous dampers.
