TR2-26 and TR2-11 Testing for MassDOT.pdf
PDF 12 MB Posted
- Attached to
- MassDOT Due Diligence Posting Traffic Dampers
- Solicitation number
- BD-26-1030-CPO1-CPO1-130294
- Issued by
- Worcester County, Massachusetts
About this file
This document is a technical data and testing report prepared by Valmont Industries, Inc. for MassDOT regarding the TR2-26 and TR2-11 vibration dampers designed for sign structures. The report presents comprehensive testing results conducted at Valley, Nebraska, with free vibration tests scheduled for October 9, 2025 (HF Arm), March 24, 2026 (LF Arm), and performance damping tests scheduled for February 23, 2026 (TR2-26 with HF Arm) and March 24, 2026 (TR2-26 and TR2-11 with LF Arm). The TR2 damper systems utilize patented dual-damping technology combining eddy current and pneumatic damping mechanisms to reduce mast arm movement by over 90 percent in most applications. The devices, each weighing approximately 50 pounds with a static weight of 27.5 to 27.6 pounds, employ tension springs and rare earth magnets in their internal design, with the TR2-26 configured for high-frequency applications and the TR2-11 for low-frequency applications.
The testing data demonstrates significant performance improvements across multiple frequency configurations. The TR2-26 achieved response reductions ranging from 39 to 99 percent when mounted on high-frequency arms (1.73 to 3.03 Hz) and 39 to 92 percent on low-frequency arms (1.03 to 1.68 Hz). The TR2-11 delivered comparable or superior results, achieving response reductions of 78 to 98 percent on high-frequency arms and 78 to 99 percent on low-frequency arms, with particularly strong performance at lower frequencies where it demonstrated a 99 percent response reduction at 1.67 Hz with a 367-pound dynamic weight. Endurance testing was ongoing at the time of reporting, with TR2-11 units having completed 7.60 million cycles and TR2-26 units having completed 2.86 million cycles. The document includes numerical modeling validation and performance projections for cantilevered sign structures with dynamic weights ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds, estimating 80 to 90 percent response reductions across the tested frequency ranges.
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Text version
© 2020 Valmont® Industries, Inc.
Test Dates:
HF Arm Free Vibration: 10/09/2025
HF Arm with TR2-26 & TR2-11: 02/23/2026
LF Arm Free Vibration: 03/24/2026
LF Arm with TR2-26 & TR2-11: 03/24/2026
Mitigator
TR2-26 & TR2-11
Technical Data and Testing
Carl J. Macchietto, P.E.
Wind Induced Vibration Negatively Influences:
2 State of Colorado
TR1 Damper Technology (Eddy Current + Pneumatic)
Patented
Technology
The Valmont TR2 Vibration Damper has both eddy current damping and pneumatic damping resulting in a reduction of mast arm movement generally over 90% in most situations.
Eddy Current:
• Eddy currents are circular electric currents induced within conductors by the movement of a magnet next to the conductive material.
• These circular currents are opposite the direction of movement creating a resistance and thus damping.
Pneumatic:
• Pneumatic Damping occurs as steel weight translates up and down within a sealed chamber.
• The exchange of air from the upper air chamber to the lower air chamber creates this resistance.
Internal Design
TR2-26 TR2-11
• Tension Spring
• Hooks to be Shot Peened
• TR2-26 Spring – High Frequency Applications
• TR2-11 Spring – Low Frequency Applications
• TR2 Weight approximately 50 lbs.
• Rare Earth Magnets
TR2 – SIGN STRUCTURE
DAMPER
TR2 – ENDURANCE TESTS
Mitigator TR2 Endurance Tests:
TR2-11 Currently at 7.60M Cycles (still in process)
TR2-26 Currently at 2.86M Cycles (still in process)
TR2 – DAMPING
PERFORMANCE TESTS
Mitigator TR2 Damping Performance Test Set-up:
Typical Test Set-up
FREE VIBRATION TESTS
HIGH FREQUENCE (HF) AND
LOW FREQUENCY (LF) ARMS
Mitigator Free Vibration Test Set-up:
TR2 Mounting Clamp
C-Clamps
Accelerometer
Weight Plates
TR2 Ballast Wt.
Weight Mounting
Clamp
Mitigator HF Free Vibration Test Arm Set-up:
Test Date 10/09/2025 – Valley, NE
Weight
Plates
Accelerometer
HF (High Frequency) Arm 1.73 Hz to 3.03 Hz
TR2 Clamp (10.5 lbs.)
TR2 Ballast Wt. (16.3 lbs.)
Test Configurations: 1A, 2B, 3C, 4D, 5E
Mitigator HF Free Vibration Test Arm Set-up:
Test Date 10/09/2025 – Valley, NE
Test Configuration: 1A (3.03 Hz)
Test 1A Test 2B Test 3C Test 4D Test 5E
EA B C D
3.03 Hz 2.47 Hz 2.13 Hz 1.90 Hz 1.73 Hz
Test Date: 10/09/2025
Free Vibration Tests – HF Arm:
Test Date 10/09/2025 – Valley, NE
Video Shown
Highest Frequency
Mitigator LF Free Vibration Test Arm Set-up Test Date 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE
Accelerometer
TR2 Clamp (10.5 lbs.)
LF (Low Frequency) Arm 1.03 Hz to 1.68Hz
TR2 Ballast Wt. (16.3 lbs.)
Test Configurations: 16A, 17B, 18C, 19D, 20E
Mitigator LF Free Vibration Test Arm Set-up
Test Configuration: 20E (1.03 Hz)
Test 18CTest 17B Test 20ETest 19D
EA B C D
1.68Hz 1.41 Hz 1.23 Hz 1.12 Hz 1.03 Hz
Test 16A
Test Date: 03/24/2026
Free Vibration Tests – LF Arm:
Test Date: 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE
Video Shown
Lowest Frequency
TR2-26
PERFORMANCE
DAMPING TESTS
Mitigator TR2 Damping Performance Test Set-up:
TR2 Damper
TR2 Mounting Clamp
C-Clamps
Accelerometer
Weight Plates
Weight Mounting Clamp
Mitigator TR2-26 with HF Test Arm Set-up Test Date 02/23/2026 – Valley, NE
Weight
Plates
Accelerometer
HF (High Frequency) Arm 1.73 Hz to 3.03 Hz
TR2-26 Weight = 68.1 lbs.
TR2 Clamp Weight = 10.5 lbs.
Total TR2-26 Assembly Weight = 78.6 lbs.
TR2-26 Static Weight = 27.5 lbs.
Test Configurations: 6E, 7D, 8C, 9B,10A
Mitigator TR2-26 with HF Test Arm
Test Configurations: 2B and 9B
Comparing
Test 1A & 10A
Comparing
Test 2B & 9B
Comparing
Test 3C & 8C
Comparing
Test 4D & 7D
Test 6E Test 7D Test 8C Test 9B Test 10A
E ABCD
Comparing
Test 5E & 6E
3.03 Hz2.47 Hz2.13 Hz1.90 Hz1.73 Hz
TR2-26 Vibration Tests Mounted to HF Arm Test Date: 02/23/2026 – Valley, NE
Comparison Video Shown
Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on HF Arm
Configuration A: 3.03 Hz, dynamic weight 299 lbs., increased damping from 0.07% to 5.7% [99% response reduction] – R = 81
Free Vibration vs. TR2-26
Comparing Test 1A & 10A
Configuration B: 2.47 Hz, dynamic weight 452 lbs., increased damping from 0.07% to 10.3% [99% response reduction] – R = 147
Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on HF Arm
Comparing Test 2B & 9B Comparison Video Shown
Configuration C: 2.13 Hz, dynamic weight 605 lbs., increased damping from 0.10% to 4.5% [98% response reduction] – R = 45
Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on HF Arm
Comparing Test 3C & 8C
Configuration D: 1.90 Hz, dynamic weight 758 lbs., increased damping from 0.13% to 2.3% [94% response reduction] – R = 18
Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on HF Arm
Comparing Test 4D & 7D
Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on HF Arm
Configuration E: 1.73 Hz, dynamic weight 911 lbs., increased damping from 0.15% to 1.4% [89% response reduction] – R = 9
Comparing Test 5E & 6E
Weight
Plates
Mitigator TR2-26 with LF Test Arm Set-up Test Date 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE
Accelerometer
LF (Low Frequency) Arm 1.03 Hz to 1.68 Hz
Test 26A, 27B, 28C, 29D, 30E
TR2-26 Weight = 68.1 lbs.
TR2 Clamp Weight = 10.5 lbs.
Total TR2-26 Assembly Weight = 78.6 lbs.
TR2-26 Static Weight = 27.5 lbs.
Test 28CTest 27B
Test 17B & 27B
Comparing
Test 18C & 28C
Comparing
Test 19D & 29D
Test 30ETest 29D
EA B C D
Comparing
Test 20E & 30E
1.68Hz 1.41 Hz 1.23 Hz 1.12 Hz 1.03 Hz
Comparing
Test 16A & 26A
Test 26A
TR2-26 Vibration Tests Mounted to LF Arm:
Test Date: 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE
Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on LF Arm
Configuration A: 1.68 Hz, dynamic weight 367 lbs., increased damping from 0.13% to 1.7% [92% response reduction] – R = 13
Comparing Test 16A & 26A
Configuration B: 1.41 Hz, dynamic weight 520 lbs., increased damping from 0.18% to 0.9% [79% response reduction] – R = 4.8
Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on LF Arm
Comparing Test 17B & 27B
Configuration C: 1.23 Hz, dynamic weight 673 lbs., increased damping from 0.21% to 0.6% [63% response reduction] – R = 2.7
Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on LF Arm
Comparing Test 18C & 28C
Configuration D: 1.12 Hz, dynamic weight 826 lbs., increased damping from 0.22% to 0.42% [48% response reduction] – R = 1.9
Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on LF Arm
Comparing Test 19D & 29D
Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on LF Arm
Configuration E: 1.03 Hz, dynamic weight 979 lbs., increased damping from 0.22% to 0.36% [39% response reduction] – R = 1.6
Comparing Test 20E & 20E
TR2-11
PERFORMANCE
DAMPING TESTS
Mitigator TR2-11 with HF Test Arm Set-up
Accelerometer
HF (High Frequency) Arm 1.73 Hz to 3.03 Hz
TR2-11 Weight = 68.3 lbs.
TR2 Clamp Weight = 10.5 lbs.
Total TR2 Assembly Weight = 78.8 lbs.
TR2-11 Static Weight = 27.6 lbs.
Test Configurations: 11A, 12B, 13C, 14D,15E
Test 5E & 15E
Comparing
Test 4D & 14D
Comparing
Test 3C & 13C
Comparing
Test 2B & 12B
Test 11A Test 12B Test 13C Test 14D Test 15E
EA B C D
Comparing
Test 1A & 11A
1.73 Hz1.90 Hz2.13 Hz2.47 Hz3.03 Hz
TR2-11 Vibration Tests Mounted to HF Arm:
Test Date: 02/23/2026 – Valley, NE
Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on HF Arm
Configuration A: 3.03 Hz, dynamic weight 299 lbs., increased damping from 0.07% to 3.3% [98% response reduction] – R = 47
Free Vibration vs. TR2-11
Comparing Test 1A & 11A
Configuration B: 2.47 Hz, dynamic weight 452 lbs., increased damping from 0.07% to 2.94% [98% response reduction] – R = 42
Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on HF Arm
Comparing Test 2B & 12B
Configuration C: 2.13 Hz, dynamic weight 605 lbs., increased damping from 0.10% to 3.2% [97% response reduction] – R = 32
Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on HF Arm
Comparing Test 3C & 13C
Configuration D: 1.90 Hz, dynamic weight 758 lbs., increased damping from 0.13% to 3.8% [97% response reduction] – R = 29
Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on HF Arm
Comparing Test 4D & 14D
Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on HF Arm
Configuration E: 1.73 Hz, dynamic weight 911 lbs., increased damping from 0.15% to 4.5% [97% response reduction] – R = 30
Comparing Test 5E & 15E
Mitigator TR2-11 with LF Test Arm Set-up Test Date 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE
Accelerometer
LF (Low Frequency) Pole 1.03 Hz to 1.67 Hz
TR2-11 Weight = 68.3 lbs.
TR2 Clamp Weight = 10.5 lbs.
Total TR2 Assembly Weight = 78.8 lbs.
TR2-11 Static Weight = 27.6 lbs.
Test Configurations: 21E, 22D, 23C, 24B, 25A
Test 23CTest 22D
Test 19D & 22D
Comparing
Test 18C & 23C
Comparing
Test 17B & 24B
Test 25ATest 24B
AE D C B
Comparing
Test 16A & 25A
1.03 Hz 1.12 Hz 1.23 Hz 1.41 Hz 1.68 Hz
Comparing
Test 20E & 21E
Test 21E
TR2-11 Vibration Tests Mounted to LF Arm:
Test Date: 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE
Comparison Video Shown
Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on LF Arm
Configuration A: 1.67 Hz, dynamic weight 367 lbs., increased damping from 0.13% to 15.5% [99% response reduction] – R = 119
Comparing Test 16A & 25A
Configuration B: 1.41 Hz, dynamic weight 520 lbs., increased damping from 0.18% to 5.6% [97% response reduction] – R = 31
Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on LF Arm
Comparing Test 17B & 24B Comparison Video Shown
Configuration C: 1.23 Hz, dynamic weight 673 lbs., increased damping from 0.24% to 2.6% [92% response reduction] – R = 12
Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on LF Arm
Comparing Test 18C & 23C
Configuration D: 1.12 Hz, dynamic weight 826 lbs., increased damping from 0.22% to 1.5% [85% response reduction] – R = 6.7
Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on LF Arm
Comparing Test 19D & 22D
Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on LF Arm
Configuration E: 1.03 Hz, dynamic weight 979 lbs., increased damping from 0.22% to 1.0% [78% response reduction] – R = 4.5
Comparing Test 20E & 21E
Mitigator TR2-11 with LF Test Arm
Test Configurations: 17B and 24B
Mitigator TR2-11 with LF Test Arm
Mitigator TR2-11 with LF Test Arm
98% response reduction (6%)
90% response reduction (1.2%)
95% response reduction (2.4%)
Calculated performance for the Valley Test Structure with frequency varied by adding weight.
Actual test data shown as red (HF Arm) & blue (LF Arm) / squares (TR2-11) & circles (TR2-26)
Mitigator TR2 Damper Test Results
TR2-11 – square
TR2-26 – circle
A numerical model of the TR2 dampers is developed to predict damping performance – the results are validated with the measured actual test conducted at Valley
HF Arm – Red
LF Arm – Blue
Mitigator TR Damper Test Results Performance Damping Curves from Valley Tests
90% response reduction (2%)
80% response reduction (1%)
Estimated performance for cantilevered sign structures with a dynamic weight of 1,500 lbs. (blue), 2,500 lbs. (red) and 3,500 lbs. (black) with a single TR2 (% damping increased from 0.2% inherent damping) showing a range to achieve 80% (R-Factor of 3.0) response reduction for the 3,500 lbs. structures from 1.9 Hz to 2.8 Hz.
Sign Structure Weight
Blue – 1500 lbs.
Red – 2500 lbs.
Black – 3500 lbs.
THANK YOU…..
QUESTIONS?
| Default |
| Slide 1 |
| Slide 2: Wind Induced Vibration Negatively Influences: |
| Slide 3: TR1 Damper Technology (Eddy Current + Pneumatic) |
| Slide 4: Internal Design |
| Slide 5: TR2 – Sign Structure Damper |
| Slide 6: TR2 – Endurance Tests |
| Slide 7: Mitigator TR2 Endurance Tests: |
| Slide 8: TR2 – Damping Performance tests |
| Slide 9: Mitigator TR2 Damping Performance Test Set-up: Typical Test Set-up |
| Slide 10: Free Vibration Tests High Frequence (HF) and Low Frequency (LF) Arms |
| Slide 11: Mitigator Free Vibration Test Set-up: Typical Test Set-up |
| Slide 12: Mitigator HF Free Vibration Test Arm Set-up: Test Date 10/09/2025 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 13: Mitigator HF Free Vibration Test Arm Set-up: Test Date 10/09/2025 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 14: Free Vibration Tests – HF Arm: Test Date 10/09/2025 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 15: Mitigator LF Free Vibration Test Arm Set-up Test Date 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 16: Mitigator LF Free Vibration Test Arm Set-up Test Date 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 17: Free Vibration Tests – LF Arm: Test Date: 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 18: TR2-26 Performance Damping Tests |
| Slide 19: Mitigator TR2 Damping Performance Test Set-up: Typical Test Set-up |
| Slide 20: Mitigator TR2-26 with HF Test Arm Set-up Test Date 02/23/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 21: Mitigator TR2-26 with HF Test Arm Test Date 02/23/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 22: Mitigator TR2-26 with HF Test Arm Test Date 02/23/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 23: Mitigator TR2-26 with HF Test Arm Test Date 02/23/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 24: Mitigator TR2-26 with HF Test Arm Test Date 02/23/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 25: TR2-26 Vibration Tests Mounted to HF Arm Test Date: 02/23/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 26: Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on HF Arm |
| Slide 27: Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on HF Arm |
| Slide 28: Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on HF Arm |
| Slide 29: Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on HF Arm |
| Slide 30: Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on HF Arm |
| Slide 31: Mitigator TR2-26 with LF Test Arm Set-up Test Date 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 32: TR2-26 Vibration Tests Mounted to LF Arm: Test Date: 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 33: Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on LF Arm |
| Slide 34: Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on LF Arm |
| Slide 35: Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on LF Arm |
| Slide 36: Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on LF Arm |
| Slide 37: Mitigator TR2-26 Damper Test Results on LF Arm |
| Slide 38: TR2-11 Performance Damping Tests |
| Slide 39: Mitigator TR2-11 with HF Test Arm Set-up Test Date 02/23/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 40: TR2-11 Vibration Tests Mounted to HF Arm: Test Date: 02/23/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 41: Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on HF Arm |
| Slide 42: Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on HF Arm |
| Slide 43: Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on HF Arm |
| Slide 44: Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on HF Arm |
| Slide 45: Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on HF Arm |
| Slide 46: Mitigator TR2-11 with LF Test Arm Set-up Test Date 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 47: TR2-11 Vibration Tests Mounted to LF Arm: Test Date: 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 48: Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on LF Arm |
| Slide 49: Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on LF Arm |
| Slide 50: Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on LF Arm |
| Slide 51: Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on LF Arm |
| Slide 52: Mitigator TR2-11 Damper Test Results on LF Arm |
| Slide 53: Mitigator TR2-11 with LF Test Arm Test Date 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 54: Mitigator TR2-11 with LF Test Arm Test Date 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 55: Mitigator TR2-11 with LF Test Arm Test Date 03/24/2026 – Valley, NE |
| Slide 56: Mitigator TR2 Damper Test Results |
| Slide 57: Mitigator TR Damper Test Results Performance Damping Curves from Valley Tests |
| Slide 58: Thank You….. Questions? |
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