Dubai, Taipei 101 Tuned Mass Damper Windstorm Simulation – Plan View

Developed by wind and damper consultant RWDI, this simulation looks down from above at the 87th floor of Taipei 101. The square marks the center of the floor itself. The plus symbol marks the center of the TMD ball. Trailing lines help us follow the action. All movements are exaggerated. The TMD (+) appears to ‘chase’ the floor center point like a kitten chasing a laser pointer. But please note: (a) As the tower sways in the wind the floor (square) bounces around the at-rest position (center cross hairs) (b) The TMD (+) moves much more than the floor does (c) The distance from TMD to floor center point increases and decreases, which drives damper movements (d) The TMD moves in the opposite direction of the floor only rarely, so the TMD is not acting as a ‘counterweight’ or ‘straightening force.’