Efficacy of Compliant Tuned Liquid Column Dampers (CTLCD) for Seismic Vibration Control

Abstract

This thesis presents an experimental investigation into the seismic response mitigation of a three-story scaled building model using a Compliant Tuned Liquid Column Damper (CTLCD). The study begins with a comprehensive literature review covering the development and performance of passive vibration control devices, particularly Tuned Liquid Column Dampers (TLCDs), and their evolution into more advanced forms such as Tuned Liquid Column Ball Dampers (TLCBDs) and Compliant TLCDs. The review establishes the effectiveness of fluidbased damping systems and highlights the need for further exploration of compliant designs in short-period structures. To evaluate the performance of the CTLCD, a series of shake table experiments were conducted using 43 ground motion records encompassing a wide range of seismic characteristics. Acceleration and displacement responses were recorded at each floor under both uncontrolled and controlled conditions. The structural responses were analyzed in terms of peak and Root Mean Square (RMS) values to capture both instantaneous and sustained motion. The results demonstrate that the CTLCD effectively reduces RMS responses, particularly at the upper stories where dynamic amplification is more significant. Although peak response reduction varied depending on the ground motion, substantial energy dissipation and control of prolonged vibrations were observed. Correlation analyses and control efficiency calculations further revealed the CTLCD's nonlinear damping behavior and its greater influence on RMS reduction than on peak suppression. Time history plots confirmed reductions in amplitude and vibration duration, especially at the top floor. These findings affirm the CTLCD’s potential as a passive control strategy for enhancing the seismic resilience of flexible, multi-story buildings and provide a foundation for future advancements in fluid-based damping technologies.