Critical mode control of a wind-loaded tall building using an active tuned mass damper

The active control of the first mode of vibration of two slender, wind-loaded buildings, one 200 m tall, the other 400 m, is studied. The control is applied to the buildings via an active tuned mass damper located at the top of the building. An algorithm using acceleration feedback from the top of each building is used, as is a range of empirical algorithms using some combination of feedback from the first mode of vibration of the buildings. For both buildings, it is the more critical cross-wind response which is studied, and the response is reduced to a level acceptable for human comfort. All the algorithms provide the required control using achievable control forces; however, the algorithms using pure acceleration feedback produce the best control performance for both buildings. This is because acceleration feedback combines in the most efficient way with the passive control inherent in a hybrid control system.