Viscous-Damper with Motion Amplification Device for High Rise Building Applications

Adding damping by the use of various damping devices has become an accepted method to reduce wind-induced vibrations in tall buildings. An interesting example of a 39-storey office tower is presented where large projected accelerations are the result of the vortex shedding off an adjacent existing 52-storey building. Viscous dampers and a motion amplification system are utilized to suppress the anticipated accelerations. A description of the damping system and its analytical complexities are discussed. Non-linear analysis of the tower, with time history forcing functions, derived from the wind tunnel, is presented. The dichotomy of the wind and seismic design requirements on the damping system is discussed. Cost data for the damper system is also presented.