Effectiveness of particle dampers in reducing monuments' response under dynamic loads

Abstract

The effectiveness of particle dampers in reducing the vibrations of multi-drum ancient columns is investigated experimentally. The response of a model of an ancient column equipped with a particle damper and subjected to dynamic loads is measured and compared to its response without the damper. The effects of various system parameters, including mass of the particles with respect to the mass of the column, particle size, damper location, and dimensions, are examined. It is found that the particle damper when properly designed can reduce the motion of a multi-drum column significantly without altering the external appearance of the column.