Passive Vibration Mitigation for Highway Sign Trusses Susceptible to Wind-Induced Vibrations
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 31, Issue 6
Abstract
Stockbridge-type tuned-mass dampers are commonly used in highway sign and traffic signal support structures throughout the U.S. to reduce wind-induced and truck gust–induced vibrations. Effectiveness of these dampers in mitigating excessive structural vibrations, and thereby preventing connection failures and the development of fatigue cracks in tubular members, is highly dependent on the dynamic characteristics of both the damper and the structure. In addition, the expected amplitude of vibration should be taken into account when designing damping devices for a given structure because damping is a function of both frequency and amplitude of structural motion. The practice of optimizing the damper design for specific structures, however, is very limited, and the same number and configuration of dampers (with identical dynamic parameters) are universally used in many structures, irrespective of their span length and weight. To achieve optimal damping performance for highway sign trusses, this paper investigates the dynamic behavior of dampers through a series of laboratory experiments and a simplified analytical model. The testing and analysis results suggest significant improvement in vibration response and fatigue performance of structures over the currently installed dampers by implementing a few simple recommendations for damper selection.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) as part of Contract No. IHR-R37 “Evaluation of Aluminum Highway Sign Truss Designs and Standards for Wind and Truck Gust Loadings.” The contents of this paper reflect the view of the writers, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of IDOT or the Federal Highway Administration, and this paper does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 31 • Issue 6 • December 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 8, 2016
Accepted: Mar 28, 2017
Published online: Jul 26, 2017
Published in print: Dec 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Dec 26, 2017
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