Experimental and numerical investigation on effects of passive pendulum tuned mass dampers on dynamic performance of thin-walled steel tubular poles

Thin-Walled Steel Tubular (TWST) Poles are a common structural type used across various industries. These poles are known for their strong, durable, and versatile structures. TWST poles can experience significant amplitude cyclic displacements and even failures due to vibrations caused by seismic activities, mechanical sources, and particularly meteorological events. To enhance the service life of TWST poles and the performance of the equipment mounted on them, these poles must be protected from excessive vibrations through appropriate measures under various service loads. This study investigates the performance of passive pendulum tuned mass dampers (P-TMDs) mounted on TWST poles through comprehensive experimental and numerical analysis. Free vibration tests were conducted on TWST poles with and without P-TMDs, with excitations at 10 kg, 20 kg, and 30 kg loads, and three different initial displacement amplitudes were used. Dynamic performances were evaluated through operational modal analysis (OMA) techniques based on displacement and acceleration responses. Subsequently, the free vibration behavior of TWST poles was simulated using finite element (FE) models, and the parameters predicted by the FE model were compared with the measured performance parameters. The results of this study demonstrate that the use of P-TMDs can significantly improve the dynamic responses of TWST poles. These findings may contribute to the development of structural safety standards in seismic regions and other high-risk areas. Additionally, the integration of P-TMDs in engineering applications may enable these structures to become more reliable with longer service lives and lower maintenance costs. This study not only makes a technical contribution to literature but also opens new avenues for future research.