Amirkabir Journal of Civil Engineering

Amirkabir Journal of Civil Engineering

Optimal Parameter Prediction in Tuned Liquid Mass Dampers Using Machine Learning Classification Models

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Hosein Ghaffarzadeh 1
Alireza Aran 1
Alireza Binavayan 2
1 Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environment, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
2 Department of Structures, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environment, Amirkabir University, Tehran, Iran
10.22060/ceej.2026.24783.8348
Abstract
This study proposes an integrated framework that combines dynamic modeling, numerical optimization, and machine learning classification to predict the optimal design parameters of Tuned Liquid Mass Dampers (TLMDs). Two primary outputs—the optimal frequency ratio and optimal damping ratio—were analyzed using six classification models: Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, K Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Naive Bayes. Two structural configurations were examined: a single-story and a five-story shear building, each equipped with rooftop TLMDs mounted on elastomeric pads. Dynamic responses were obtained for six earthquake records using time history analysis, with liquid motion modeled by the Housner model. Optimal elastomeric pad parameters for various tank configurations were determined via the Pattern Search algorithm. The results revealed that for the optimal frequency ratio in the single-story structure, KNN and Random Forest achieved the highest F1 score (~0.73), whereas in the five-story building, prediction accuracy declined and Naive Bayes performed best (~0.68). Regarding the optimal damping ratio, Naive Bayes excelled in both structures, particularly in the five-story model. Confusion matrix analysis indicated that most errors occurred in the intermediate class, primarily due to feature overlap. By significantly reducing computational time and eliminating the need for exhaustive numerical simulations, the proposed data-driven methodology supports reliable decision-making in both preliminary and detailed stages of TLMD design. Moreover, the framework is extendable to other passive vibration control devices and more complex structural systems, advancing the concept of intelligent, efficient, and precise design tools in structural engineering.
Keywords
Tuned Liquid Mass Damper
Machine Learning Algorithms
Prediction
Classification
Optimization
Subjects
[1] R. Greco, M. Morga, Optimum design of tuned mass dampers for different earthquake ground motion parameters and models, The Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings, 28 (2019) p.e1672.
[2] V.J. Modi, F. Welt, Damping of wind induced oscillations through liquid sloshing, Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 30 (1998) 85-94.
[3] Y. Tamura, K. Fujii, T. Ohtsuki, T. Wakahara, R. Kohsaka, Effectiveness of tuned liquid dampers under wind excitation, Engineering Structures, 17 (1995) 609-621.
[4] P. Banerji, M. Murudi, A.H. Shah, N. Popplewell, Tuned liquid dampers for controlling earthquake response of structures, Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics, 29 (2000) 587-602.
[5] M. Domizio, D. Ambrosini, A. Campi, A novel tuned liquid damper for vibration control in high-frequency structures, Engineering Structures, 301 (2024) p.117350.
[6] J.S. Love, M.J. Tait, The influence of tank orientation angle on a 2D structure-tuned liquid damper system, Journal of Vibration and Acoustics, 135 (2013) p.011010.
[7] M.J. Tait, X. Deng, The performance of structure‐tuned liquid damper systems with different tank geometries, Structural Control and Health Monitoring, 17 (2013) 254-277.
[8] R. Bandyopadhyay, S. Maiti, A. Ghosh, A. Chatterjee, Overhead water tank shapes with depth‐independent sloshing frequencies for use as TLDs in buildings, Structural Control and Health Monitoring, 25 (2018) p.e2049.
[9] J.K. Yu, T. Wakahara, D.A. Reed, A non‐linear numerical model of the tuned liquid damper, Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics, 28 (1999) 671-686.
[10] H.N. Li, Y. Jia, S.Y. Wang, Theoretical and experimental studies on reduction for multi-modal seismic responses of high-rise structures by tuned liquid dampers, Journal of Vibration and Control, 10 (2004) 1041-1056.
[11] X. Xu, T. Guo, G. Li, G. Sun, B. Shang, Guan, A combined system of tuned immersion mass and sloshing liquid for vibration suppression: Optimization and characterization, Journal of Fluids and Structures, 76 (2018) 396-410.
[12] L. Fu, T. Guo, G. Li, Investigation on damping performance of new type oscillator-liquid combined damper, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 135 (2018) 53-62.
[13] J.S. Love, C.S. Lee, Nonlinear series-type tuned mass damper-tuned sloshing damper for improved structural control, Journal of Vibration and Acoustics, 141 (2019) p.021006.
[14] J.S. Love, K.P. McNamara, M.J. Tait, T.C. Haskett, Series-type pendulum tuned mass damper-tuned sloshing damper, Journal of Vibration and Acoustics, 142 (2020) p.011003.
[15] A. Ghosh, B. Basu, Seismic vibration control of short period structures using the liquid column damper, Engineering Structures, 26 (2004) 1905-1913.
[16] M.C. Aydemir, E. Damcı, Y. Taşkın, Ç. ekerci, Comparison of the Dynamic Characteristics of Tuned Liquid Column Dampers with Different Elbow Forms, Turkish Journal of Civil Engineering, 35 (2024).
[17] K.W. Min, E.C. Park, Dynamic characteristics of tuned liquid column dampers using shaking table test, Transactions of the Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering, 19 (2009) 620-627.
[18] H. Ding, J.T. Wang, L.Q. Lu, F. Zhu, A toroidal tuned liquid column damper for multidirectional ground motion‐induced vibration control, Structural Control and Health Monitoring, 27 (2020) p.e2558.
[19] P. Banerji, A. Samanta, Earthquake vibration control of structures using hybrid mass liquid damper, Engineering Structures, 33 (2011) 1291-1301.
[20] D.K. Pandey, M.K. Sharma, S.K. Mishra, A compliant tuned liquid damper for controlling seismic vibration of short period structures, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 132 (2019) 405-428.
[21] G.W. Housner, The dynamic behavior of water tanks, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 53 (1963) 381-387.
[22] D.K. Pandey, S.K. Mishra, S. Chakraborty, A tuned liquid mass damper implemented in a deep liquid storage tank for seismic vibration control of short period structures, The Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings, 31 (2022) p.e1928.
[23] M.A. Haroun, G.W. Housner, Dynamic characteristics of liquid storage tanks, Journal of the Engineering Mechanics Division, 108 (1982) 783-800.
[24] S. Hashemi, M.M. Saadatpour, M.R. Kianoush, Dynamic analysis of flexible rectangular fluid containers subjected to horizontal ground motion, Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics, 42 (2013) 1637-1656.
[25] J. Hu, J. Xu, Parameter Optimization and Control Characteristics Analysis of TLMD System Based on Phase Deviation, Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University (Science), 25 (2020) 372-383.
[26] Z. Wang, X. Chai, S. Peng, B. Wang, L. Zhang, A novel tuned liquid mass damper for low-frequency vertical vibration control: Model experiments and field tests, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 220 (2024) p.111702.
[27] M. Mahesh, N.M.K.M. Krishna, Role of Multiple Liquid Tuned Mass Dampers in Tall Buildings, CVR Journal of Science and Technology, 20 (2021) 8-16.
[28] A. Shruthi, N.M. Krishna, Role of Liquid Tuned Mass Dampers in Improving Torsional Competence of Asymmetric Buildings, CVR Journal of Science and Technology, 17 (2019) 13-19.
[29] H. Ghaffarzadeh, A. Aran, M. Hosseinlou, Optimal parameters of rooftop pools as the structural control system, Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering,  (2024).
[30] A. Ocak, G. Bekdaş, S.M. Nigdeli, A metaheuristic‐based optimum tuning approach for tuned liquid dampers for structures, The Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings, 31 (2022) p.e1907.
[31] A. Ocak, S.M. Nigdeli, G. Bekdaş, S. Kim, Z.W. Geem, Adaptive harmony search for tuned liquid damper optimization under seismic excitation, Applied Sciences, 12 (2022) p.2645.
[32] A. Ocak, G. Bekdaş, S.M. Nigdeli, S. Kim, Z.W. Geem, Optimization of tuned liquid damper including different liquids for lateral displacement control of single and multi-story structures, Buildings, 12 (2022) p.377.
[33] U. Tahera, N, K.S. Raj, R. Kumar, H. Soundalgekar, T. Deepa, M.A. Shah, Comparative analysis of sloshing effects on elevated water tanks’ dynamic response using ANN and MARS, Discover Materials, 5 (2025) p.9.
[34] K. Jeong, S.B. Choi, Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy observer-based magnetorheological damper fault diagnosis using a support vector machine, IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, 30 (2021) 1723-1735.
[35] A. Ocak, Ü. Işıkdağ, G. Bekdaş, S.M. Nigdeli, Prediction of Damping Capacity Demand in Seismic Base Isolators via Machine Learning, CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, 138 (2024).
[36] S. Ghaemi, A. Aran, M. Mansoury, J. Katebi, Designing a fuzzy-based hybrid control system to reduce structure vibration using rooftop tank and MR damper, Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering,  (2025).
[37] Y. Li, Q. Di, Y. Gong, Equivalent mechanical models of sloshing fluid in arbitrary‐section aqueducts, Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics, 41 (2012) 1069-1087.
Amirkabir Journal of Civil Engineering
Volume 58, Issue 1
2026
Pages 23-42