The Effect of Particle Damper’s Position on the Dynamic Response of Classical Columns

Preservation of the original architectural features of historic structures during their restoration and strengthening is challenging. A simple way to preserve the appearance of ancient classical columns and simultaneously protect them from earthquakes is to replace damaged or missing parts by a system that absorbs the incoming seismic energy. This paper examines the effectiveness of particle dampers in reducing the dynamic response of multi-drum and monolithic columns with capital. The properties of the damper that influence the column’s dynamic response were also examined with emphasis on the position of the damper. The measurements suggest that the replacement of the capital by a particle damper has small effect on the dynamic response of multi-drum and monolithic columns. The damper can enhance the column’s seismic safety if it replaces one of its top drums.