Optimization and Damping Performance of a Coal-Fired Power Plant Building Equipped with Multiple Coal Bucket Dampers

A parameter optimization design method is proposed for multiple coal bucket dampers (CBDs) to reduce the seismic response of coal-fired power plants. To test the damping effect of the optimized CBDs, a 1 : 30 scale shaking table test model of a power plant structure was fabricated. A comparative testing program was conducted using three seismic excitations on a model with and without CBDs. A finite element analysis model, replicating the conditions of the shaking table test, was constructed for comparison, and the shock absorption effects of CBDs subjected to 22 groups of far-field seismic action and 28 groups of near-field seismic action were analyzed. Finally, the influence of changes in the structural period on the seismic response of the CBD-equipped structure was studied. The results indicate that the use of CBDs in a coal-fired power plant structure, based on an optimization design method for multiple-tuned mass dampers (MTMDs), results in a significant reduction in the structure displacement response, displays a certain discreteness under different excitations, and maintains a certain damping stability even as the structural period changes. Overall, the use of CBDs is a promising prospect for improving the seismic performance of coal-fired power plant structures.