Abstract
In order to optimize the tuning of Tuned Inerter Dampers (TID) in base-isolated multi-story buildings under near-fault pulse-like ground motions, this study presents a novel intelligent hybrid optimization framework that combines a Genetic Algorithm–Particle Swarm Optimization (GA–PSO) approach with a physics-informed feedforward neural network (FNN). This FNN-guided hybrid strategy offers adaptive, spectrum-aware TID parameters (inertance ratio, frequency ratio, and damping ratio) as explicit functions of the mass ratio µ, achieving faster convergence and superior performance in non-stationary pulse-dominated excitations compared to single metaheuristic techniques or traditional analytical H2 methods (limited to stationary assumptions). Using a curated ensemble of near-fault records from the NGA-West2 database, nonlinear time-history analyses on benchmark structures that are five, ten, and fifteen stories show that, in intense pulse-like events, the pulse-optimized TID produces mean reductions of up to 25% in RMS base displacement, 22% in peak base displacement, and 20% in peak floor accelerations when compared to conventional designs. The method minimizes performance loss while maintaining strong control during far-fault and non-pulse near-fault motions. These findings demonstrate how the suggested intelligent hybrid GA–PSO optimized TID can be used more effectively and practically to increase seismic resilience in base-isolated structures situated in high-seismicity near-fault zones.
Data availability
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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All authors contributed to conceptualizing and designing the study. Jing Li, Lingyan Duan, Qin Zhou, performed data collection, computational modeling, and result analysis. Qing Su drafted the original manuscript. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.
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Li, J., Duan, L., Zhou, Q. et al. Intelligent hybrid optimization of tuned inerter dampers in base-isolated multi-storey structures under near-fault pulse-like ground motions. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-40831-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-40831-w