Proposing optimum parameters of TMDs using GSA and PSO algorithms for drift reduction and uniformity

In this study, the optimum parameters of Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) are proposed using Gravity Search Algorithm (GSA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to reduce the responses of the structures. A MATLAB program is developed to apply the new approach to the benchmark 10 and 40-story structures. The obtained results are compared to those of other optimization methods used in the literature to verify the developed code. To show the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed methods, nine far-field and near-field worldwide earthquakes are applied to the structures. The results reveal that in the 40-story structure, GSA algorithm can reduce the Relative Displacement (RD) and Absolute Acceleration (AA) up to 43% and 21%, respectively while the PSO decreases them by 50% and 25%, respectively. In contrast, both GSA and PSO algorithms reduce the RD and AA about 29% and 21% for the 10-story structure. Furthermore, using the proposed approach the required TMD parameters reduce by 47% and 63% in the 40 and 10-story buildings in comparison with the referenced ones. Result evaluation and related comparison indicate that these methods are more effective even by using smaller TMD parameters resulting in the reduction of acting force from TMD, having smaller stiffness and damping factors while being more cost effective due to its decreased parameters. In other words, the TMD with optimum parameters can play a positive role in both tall and typical structures.