Performance evaluation of inerter-based dampers for vortex-induced vibration control of long-span bridges: A comparative study

Inerter-based dampers (IBDs) have been proposed to enhance the efficiency of conventional tuned mass dampers (TMDs) in controlling wind-induced vibration of civil structures recently. In this paper, four different IBDs, with each featuring a specific combination of dashpot–spring elements in series or in parallel with the inerter device, are applied to control the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of long-span bridges. The governing equations of the bridge–IBD system under the effect of VIV are established, and the strategy to optimize the IBD parameters is proposed. The performances of different IBDs in terms of mitigating the VIV response of the deck, the stroke of mass block, the static deformation of spring due to gravity, the reaction force of IBDs on the bridge deck, and the robustness of the system (the control efficiency against the deviation of design parameters from their optimal values) are systematically evaluated and compared. Through this comparative study, the superiorities of IBDs to conventional TMDs in bridge VIV control are illustrated, and two feasible layouts of IBDs that are suitable for bridge VIV control are suggested. On the basis of these results, the guideline for VIV-resistance design of long-span bridges with the help of IBDs is also proposed.