A nonlinear numerical model for sloped-bottom tuned liquid dampers

Shaking-table data for a tuned liquid damper with a sloped bottom of 30 deg rees with the horizontal are investigated using a non-linear numerical mode l previously developed by Yu, Jin-kyu, Nonlinear characteristics of tuned l iquid dampers. Ph. D. Thesis, Department of Civil Engineering, University o f Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195 (1997). Stiffness and damping parameters f or this model are obtained and compared with those previously derived for b ox-shaped tanks. The values for these parameters reflect the softening spri ng behaviour of the sloped-bottom system in contrast to the hardening syste m evident for the box-shaped TLD. Consequently, the sloped-bottom tank shou ld be tuned slightly higher than the fundamental structural frequency in or der to obtain the most effective damping. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & S ons, Ltd.