Smart Curtain Wall System
Nuzhat Mohamedraeesh Shaikh
School of Engineering
Faculty Supervisor: Zhaoshuo Jiang
As urbanization advances, high-rise buildings face increasing challenges from wind-induced vibrations, which can significantly impact occupant comfort and structural integrity. Conventional curtain wall systems primarily serve as an exterior shield and transfer wind and seismic loads to the structural framework. However, this research explores the untapped potential of using the cladding system itself as an active vibration control mechanism.
I propose an innovative Smart Cladding-Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) System, where the mass and flexibility of the curtain wall are strategically optimized to function as a TMD to mitigate wind-induced vibrations. Traditional TMD systems are limited to narrow frequency bands, while our approach leverages viscous inertia dampers (VIDs) integrated into the cladding to expand the effective damping range. By enhancing the lightweight nature of the cladding system with added inertia, we aim to achieve the optimal TMD mass ratio of 2% of the building's total weight.
This system will act as a wind isolation system for windward vibrations and a TMD for leeward vibrations, effectively suppressing structural motion across multiple frequency ranges. This research aims to improve the dynamic performance of slender high-rises while offering a more sustainable and cost-effective vibration control solution.