Enhancing seismic performance of structure with different configuration of passive D3 viscous damper

Abstract

For each structure and project, there is a unique desire. Seismic building performance can be increased using dissipation systems like viscous dampers. However, these improvements are offset by the added cost if the total base shear and acceleration increase. Hence, there is a significant need to find more reliable, lower-cost, and less complex systems and devices to improve structural response that can simultaneously reduce displacement, acceleration, and total base shear. On the other hand, the other project may have another need. For example, buildings can have post-earthquake residual deformations. Aftershocks or subsequent earthquakes can induce further displacements, increasing the probability of collapse. Therefore, need a structural modification or devices can mitigate further movement in the direction of residual displacements. Direction and Displacement Dependent (D3) passive viscous damping device offers a unique opportunity to provide viscous damping in any individual or multiple quadrants of the force-displacement response. Therefore, the D3 viscous damper can have different configurations based on the engineer’s need. In this paper, two configurations (the 2-4 and offset 1-3) of the D3 viscous damper are discussed. An experimental study of a 1/2 scale two-story steel frame building with two configurations of D3 dampers is subjected to shake table testing and the seismic performance of the supplemental damping system is assessed. The overall numerical and experimental results show that the novel D3 viscous damper could give the engineer a better chance to reach the desired structural performance and is therefore a robust means to mitigate the risk of damage to the structure, foundation, and contents for either new designs or retrofit.