Tuned liquid column dampers (TLCDs) are passive energy absorbing substructures to control vibrations of buildings when e.g. exposed to earthquake or wind loads. They can be used to prevent structural elements from damage (earthquake load) or increase human comfort due to reduced floor accelerations (strong wind load). The objective of this paper is to study the influence of TLCDs on the response of multiple degree-of-freedom (MDOF) shear frame structures, where the TLCD is modelled as a single degree-of-freedom system and is integrated into the structural model. Even the application of passive TLCDs improves the steady state dynamic response substantially. However, transient peaks can remain, which are eliminated by the application of an active air-spring system integrated into the TLCD. This concept of an active tuned liquid column damper (ATLCD), combined with an energy saving control design preserves all salient features of passive TLCDs and unites good steady state performance with peak response reduction. The latter is of crucial importance for survival within the strong motion period of seismic excitation. Detailed investigations are given for a benchmark structure equipped with the proposed hybrid absorber system. For strong wind load a numerical simulation of the complex benchmark structure indicates a significant improvement of the dynamic response, and a considerable vibration reduction for the proposed ATLCD system.
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