Optimization of TMDs for floor vibration control in metro-adjacent buildings considering frequency weighting

Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are used to control metro-induced floor vibration, but their parameters are commonly selected from acceleration-based criteria. This may be unsuitable when the serviceability target is the frequency-weighted vibration level perceived by occupants. This study investigates TMD optimization for a metro-adjacent floor using field measurements, analytical modeling, and calibrated FE simulations. In field testing, the installed TMD changed the floor–device frequency, and in-situ retuning reduced the average VL max by 3.3 dB. The calibrated model was then used to compare parameters from fixed-point theory with VL max -oriented designs. Fixed-point theory remained useful for reducing unweighted acceleration peaks, but it did not always give the best VL max reduction because TMD tuning redistributed vibration energy among weighted frequency bands. For the tested floor, μ = 0.03, γ = 0.90, and ξd = 0.03–0.10 gave a maximum mean VL max reduction of 5.8 dB. Sensitivity analyses showed that tuning frequency and slab stiffness were more influential than TMD damping. MTMDs improved robustness by broadening the effective control bandwidth.