Effect of viscous damping devices on the response of seismically isolated structures

Viscous and other damping devices are often used as elements of seismic isolation systems. Despite the widespread application of nonlinear viscous systems particularly in Japan (with fewer applications in the USA and Taiwan), the application of viscous damping devices in isolation systems in the USA progressed intentionally toward the use of supplementary linear viscous devices due to the advantages offered by these devices. This paper presents experimental results on the behavior of seismically isolated structures with low damping elastomeric (LDE) and single friction pendulum (SFP) bearings with and without linear and nonlinear viscous dampers. The isolation systems are tested within a six‐story structure configured as moment frame and then again as braced frame. Emphasis is placed both on the acquisition of data related to the structural system (drifts, story shear forces, and isolator displacements) and on non‐structural systems (floor accelerations, floor spectral accelerations, and floor velocities). Moreover, the accuracy of analytical prediction of response is investigated based on the results of a total of 227 experiments, using 14 historic ground motions of far‐fault and near‐fault characteristics, on flexible moment frame and stiff braced frame structures isolated with LDE or SFP bearings and linear or nonlinear viscous dampers. It is concluded that when damping is needed to reduce displacement demands in the isolation system, linear viscous damping results in the least detrimental effect on the isolated structure. Moreover, the study concludes that the analytical prediction of peak floor accelerations and floor response spectra may contain errors that need to be considered when designing secondary systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the efficiency of viscous dampers in reducing various seismic responses of wall structures

This paper rigorously assesses the efficiency of viscous dampers connecting two walls to result in “viscously coupled shear walls”. This assessment also holds for viscous dampers in wall structures as they are mounted on frames parallel to the walls leading to “wall-viscous frame” systems. A continuum approach is adopted to model the structure so as to enable non-dimensional formulation of the governing equations. Those equations reveal that, under the approximations considered, the system damping ratio (defined here by 0.5 sqrt(c^2/(m*EI))) is a convenient compact single parameter controlling the response reduction w.r.t. the response of the corresponding undamped system. In contrast to coupled shear walls, this controlling parameter does not depend on the height of the building; therefore, the viscously damped system is efficient for low-rise buildings as well. The continuum approach also allows a semi-analytical solution of the eigenproblem in the complex domain followed by a complex modal spectral analysis. Those solutions reveal the efficiency of the added damping in reducing not only the displacements, inter-story drifts, and wall moments but also the absolute accelerations, wall shear, total shear, and total overturning moments. The results of the analyses and the non-dimensional tables and graphs developed for important response parameters lead to a simple method that could easily be implemented in practice for the purpose of initial design. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The role of damping in seismic isolation

In the current code requirements for the design of base isolation systems for buildings located at near-fault sites, the design engineer is faced with very large design displacements for the isolators. To reduce these displacements, supplementary dampers are often prescribed. These dampers reduce displacements, but at the expense of significant increases in interstorey drifts and floor accelerations in the superstructure. An elementary analysis based on a simple model of an isolated structure is used to demonstrate this dilemma. The model is linear and is based on modal analysis, but includes the modal coupling terms caused by high levels of damping in the isolation system. The equations are solved by a method that avoids complex modal analysis. Estimates of the important response quantities are obtained by the response spectrum method. It is shown that as the damping in the isolation system increases, the contribution of the modal coupling terms due to isolator damping in response to the superstructure becomes the dominant term. The isolator displacement and structural base shear may be reduced, but the floor accelerations and interstorey drift are increased. The results show that the use of supplemental dampers in seismic isolation is a misplaced effort and alternative strategies to solve the problem are suggested. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Design of passive systems for control of inelastic structures

A design strategy for control of buildings experiencing inelastic deformations during seismic response is formulated. The strategy is using weakened, and/or softened, elements in a structural system while adding passive energy dissipation devices (e.g. viscous fluid devices, etc.) in order to control simultaneously accelerations and deformations response during seismic events. A design methodology is developed to determine the locations and the magnitude of weakening and/or softening of structural elements and the added damping while insuring structural stability. A two‐stage design procedure is suggested: (i) first using a nonlinear active control algorithm, to determine the new structural parameters while insuring stability, then (ii) determine the properties of equivalent structural parameters of passive system, which can be implemented by removing or weakening some structural elements, or connections, and by addition of energy dissipation systems. Passive dampers and weakened elements are designed using an optimization algorithm to obtain a response as close as possible to an actively controlled system. A case study of a five‐story building subjected to El Centro ground motion, as well as to an ensemble of simulated ground motions, is presented to illustrate the procedure. The results show that following the design strategy, a control of both peak inter‐story drifts and total accelerations can be obtained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Earthquake simulator tests and associated study of an 1/6-scale nine-story RC model

Earthquake simulator tests of a 1/6-scale nine-story reinforced concrete frame-wall model are described in the paper. The test results and associated numerical simulation are summarized and discussed. Based on the test data, a relationship between maximum inter-story drift and damage state is established. Equations of variation of structural characteristics (natural frequency and equivalent stiffness) with overall drifts are derived by data fitting, which can be used to estimate structural damage state if structural characteristics can be measured. A comparison of the analytical and experimental results show that both the commonly used equivalent beam and fiber element models can simulate the nonlinear seismic response of structures very well. Finally, conclusions associated with seismic design and damage evaluation of RC structures are presented.     

Seismic behavior of viscously damped yielding frames under structural and damping uncertainties

This paper examines the sensitivity of the response of optimally damped frames to uncertainty in structural and damping properties. Viscous dampers are first optimally designed for given nominal properties of the retrofitted structures and a given ensemble of records for each structure. The behavior of the retrofitted structures (in terms of the maximum envelope peak inter-story drift) considering uncertainty in their properties as well as in the dampers’ properties is then tested using Monte Carlo simulation. It is shown that the uncertainties lead to larger mean drifts than expected, and that some designs are more sensitive than others. The physical reasons for this behavior are discussed and some rules as to what designs are expected to be more sensitive are given.     

Seismic control of flexible rocking structures using inerters

Allowing flexible structures to uplift and rock during earthquakes can significantly reduce the force demands and residual displacements. However, such structures are still susceptible to large deformations and accelerations that can compromise their functionality. In this paper, we examine the dynamic response of elastic rocking oscillators and suggest that their lateral drifts and accelerations can be limited effectively by using inerter devices. To this end, we offer a detailed examination of the effects of structural flexibility on the efficiency of the proposed system. The analytical expressions governing the motion of deformable structures with base uplift are revisited to incorporate the effects of the supplemental rotational inertia. The proposed model is then used to study the structural demands of flexible rocking structures under coherent pulses as well as noncoherent real pulse-like ground motions. Our results show that combining rocking with inerters can be an efficient strategy to control the deformation and acceleration demands in uplifting flexible systems.     

摩擦摆基础隔震结构多维地震反应分析

对摩擦摆基础隔震结构进行了单向、双向和三向地震反应对比分析,表明考虑双向水平地震动时摩擦摆基础隔震结构的支座位移增大,而结构的加速度和楼层剪力减小,其中对支座位移和结构加速度影响较大;考虑竖向地震动时摩擦摆基础隔震结构的支座位移略有减小,而结构的加速度和楼层剪力增大,其中对结构加速度影响较大.因而,在进行摩擦摆基础隔震结构地震反应分析时,应考虑多维地震动的影响.     

STOCHASTIC SEISMIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF TUNED LIQUID COLUMN DAMPERS

The seismic performance of Tuned Liquid Column Dampers (TLCDs) for the passive control of flexible structures is investigated using random vibration analysis. A non-stationary stochastic process with frequency and amplitude modulation is used to represent the earthquake strong motion, and a simple equivalent linearization technique is used to account for the non-linear damping force in the TLCD. The governing equations of motion for the structure TLCD system are formulated and reduced to a first-order state vector equation, from which the differential equation for the system response covariance matrix is obtained. The TLCD performance is evaluated on the basis of selected structural response statistics, namely, the expected maximum and root-mean-square displacements, and root-mean-square absolute accelerations and interstorey shears. A parametric study and sensitivity analysis are conducted to assess the TLCD performance and identify critical design parameters. Illustrative examples are presented using SDOF and MDOF shear-beam structural models, a wide-banded stationary random base acceleration and two non-stationary random input ground motions representative of long- and short-duration ground accelerations with significant low-frequency content.     

Optimal weakening and damping using polynomial control for seismically excited nonlinear structures

This paper presents an approach for the optimal design of a new retrofi t technique called weakening and damping that is valid for civil engineering inelastic structures.An alternative design methodology is developed with respect to the existing ones that is able to determine the locations and the magnitude of weakening and/or softening of structural elements and adding damping while insuring structural stability.An optimal polynomial controller that is a summation of polynomials in nonlinear states is used...     

汶川地震近断层地震动作用下 结构地震响应特征分析

研究了具有不同自振特性的建筑结构在近断层速度脉冲型及非速度脉冲型地震动作用下的结构层间变形分布,揭示了近断层速度脉冲对工程结构地震响应的特殊影响. 从汶川M_S8.0地震近断层强震记录中选取两组典型速度脉冲型记录和非脉冲型记录, 根据确定的目标地震动强度水平,利用时域叠加小波函数法对选择的强震记录进行调整, 使之与目标地震动水平对应的加速度反应谱保持一致, 以此作为结构地震反应分析的地震动输入. 选取具有不同自振特征的3层、11层和20层典型钢筋混凝土框架结构, 建立有限元分析模型, 分别计算在速度脉冲型与非速度脉冲型记录作用下这些结构层间变形分布. 研究表明,速度脉冲型记录与非速度脉冲型记录作用下结构层间变形有明显差异, 且与结构自振特征有关.就低层结构的层间变形而言, 非速度脉冲型记录的影响较速度脉冲型记录的影响大. 随着结构自振周期的增加, 高阶振型的影响更加明显. 与非速度脉冲型记录相比,速度脉冲型记录的结构层间位移反应中值及离散程度较大. 速度脉冲型记录更容易激发高层结构的高阶振型, 产生较大的层间位移反应. 非速度脉冲型记录对中低层结构层间变形影响较大.因此, 在开展近断层结构地震影响评价时, 应考虑近断层速度脉冲的影响.      

Comparative response assessment of minimally compliant low‐rise conventional and base‐isolated steel frames

In this study, the multi‐intensity seismic response of code‐designed conventional and base‐isolated steel frame buildings is evaluated using nonlinear response history analysis. The results of hazard and structural response analysis for three‐story braced‐frame buildings are presented in this paper. Three‐dimensional models for both buildings are created and seismic response is assessed for three scenario earthquakes. The response history analysis results indicate that the design objectives are met and the performance of the isolated building is superior to the conventional building in the design event. For the Maximum Considered Earthquake, isolation leads to reductions in story drifts and floor accelerations relative to the conventional building. However, the extremely high displacement demands of the isolation system could not be accommodated under normal circumstances, and creative approaches should be developed to control displacements in the MCE. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic response of light internal equipment in base-isolated structures

The seismic response of light secondary systems in a building is dependent on the response of the primary structural system to the seismic ground motion with the result that very high accelerations can be induced in such secondary systems. This response can be reduced through the use of aseismic base isolation which is a design strategy whereby the entire building can be decoupled from the damaging horizontal components of seismic ground motion by the use of some form of isolation system. The paper presents a theoretical analysis of the response of light equipment in isolated structures and a parallel experimental programme both of which show that the use of base isolation can not only attenuate the response of the primary structural system but also reduce the response of secondary systems. Thus, the design of equipment and piping in a base-isolated building is very much simpler than that for a conventionally founded structure: inelastic response and equipment-structure interaction need not be considered and multiple support response analysis is rendered unnecessary. Although an isolation system with linear elastic bearings can reduce the acceleration of the structure, it may be accompanied by large relative displacements between the structure and the ground. A system using lead-rubber hysteretic bearings, having a force-displacement relation which is approximately a bilinear loop, can reduce these displacements. A parallel experimental programme was carried out to investigate the response of light equipment in structures isolated using lead-rubber bearings. The experimental results show that these bearings can dissipate energy and limit the displacement and acceleration of the structure but are less effective in reducing the accelerations in the internal equipment. The results of both the analysis and the tests show that base isolation is a very effective method for the seismic protection of light equipment items in buildings.     

利用等位移原则估计高层结构的非弹性地震反应(二)

通过高层结构弹性和非弹性地震时程反应分析,研究了两者的位移反应关系。结果表明：结构在不同地震作用下非弹性总位移角反应的平均值与弹性反应十分接近,基本符合等位移原则,可以用后者分析结果直接估计前者;结构最大层间位移角反应的平均值在弱和中等非线性阶段亦与弹性反应十分接近,在强非线性阶段则大于弹性反应,经数据拟合,初步提供了一个在此阶段由弹性最大层间位移角反应估计非弹性反应的近似公式。     

Seismic retrofit of low‐rise steel buildings in Canada using rocking steel braced frames

This article examines the use of rocking steel braced frames for the retrofit of existing seismically deficient steel building structures. Rocking is also used to achieve superior seismic performance to reduce repair costs and disruption time after earthquakes. The study focuses on low‐rise buildings for which re‐centring is solely provided by gravity loads rather than added post‐tensioning elements. Friction energy dissipative (ED) devices are used to control drifts. The system is applied to 2‐storey and 3‐storey structures located in 2 seismically active regions of Canada. Firm ground and soft soil conditions are considered. The seismic performance of the retrofit scheme is evaluated using nonlinear dynamic analysis and ASCE 41‐13. For all structures, rocking permits to achieve immediate occupancy performance under 2% in 50 years seismic hazard if the braces and their connections at the building's top storeys are strengthened to resist amplified forces due to higher mode response. Base shears are also increased due to higher modes. Impact at column bases upon rocking induces magnified column forces and vertical response in the gravity system. Friction ED is found more effective for drift control than systems with ring springs or bars yielding in tension. Drifts are sufficiently small to achieve position retention performance for most nonstructural components. Horizontal accelerations are generally lower than predicted from ASCE 41 for regular nonrocking structures. Vertical accelerations in the gravity framing directly connected to the rocking frame are however higher than those predicted for ordinary structures. Vertical ground motions have limited effect on frame response.     

梁铰型屈服RC框架结构地震弹塑性位移增大系数研究

本文通过弹性和弹塑性时程分析,研究了水平地震作用下梁铰型屈服RC框架模型结构的楼层屈服剪力系数、基本自振周期、楼层数3个因素对弹塑性位移增大系数的影响,通过非线性回归分析给出了弹塑性层间位移增大系数经验公式;通过分析滞回耗能沿楼层高度的分布,初步确定了梁铰型屈服RC框架结构的薄弱楼层位置;基于结构损伤分析,讨论了抗震规范中RC框架结构弹塑性层间位移角限值的水准。     

Shake table testing and numerical simulation of a self‐centering energy dissipative braced frame

The self‐centering energy dissipative (SCED) brace is a new steel bracing member that provides both damping to the structure and a re‐centering capability. The goal of this study was to confirm the behavior of SCED braces within complete structural systems and to confirm the ability to model these systems with both a state‐of‐the‐art computer model as well as a simplified model that would be useful to practicing engineers. To these ends, a three‐story SCED‐braced frame was designed and constructed for testing on a shake table. Two concurrent computer models of the entire frame were constructed: one using the opensees nonlinear dynamic modeling software, and a simplified model using the commercial structural analysis software sap2000 . The frame specimen was subjected to 12 significant earthquakes without any adjustment or modification between the tests. The SCED braces prevented residual drifts in the frame, as designed, and did not show any significant degradation due to wear. Both numerical models were able to predict the drifts, story shears, and column forces well. Peak story accelerations were overestimated in the models; this effect was found to be caused by the absence of transitions at stiffness changes in the hysteretic model of the braces. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

直接基于位移设计的高强钢组合K形偏心支撑钢框架的抗震性能研究

K形高强钢组合偏心支撑(K-HSS-EBF)是指耗能连梁和支撑采用Q345钢,而框架梁、框架柱采用高强度钢(如Q460)。为研究其在罕遇地震作用下的抗震性能,在试验研究的基础上,采用直接基于位移的抗震设计方法设计了5层、8层和12层算例,分别进行静力推覆分析和动力弹塑性分析,研究高强钢组合偏心支撑钢框架在罕遇地震作用下层间侧移分布和破坏模式。研究结果表明:直接基于位移的抗震设计方法设计的算例在罕遇地震作用下,结构的层间侧移满足我国现行抗震规范的要求,结构呈理想的渐进式梁铰屈服机构,并证明该设计方法的合理性和可靠性。     

Shake-table testing of a self-centering precast reinforced concrete frame with shear walls

The seismic performance of a self-centering precast reinforced concrete (RC) frame with shear walls was investigated in this paper. The lateral force resistance was provided by self-centering precast RC shear walls (SPCW), which utilize a combination of unbonded prestressed post-tensioned (PT) tendons and mild steel reinforcing bars for flexural resistance across base joints. The structures concentrated deformations at the bottom joints and the unbonded PT tendons provided the self-centering restoring force. A 1/3-scale model of a five-story self-centering RC frame with shear walls was designed and tested on a shake-table under a series of bi-directional earthquake excitations with increasing intensity. The acceleration response, roof displacement, inter-story drifts, residual drifts, shear force ratios, hysteresis curves, and local behaviour of the test specimen were analysed and evaluated. The results demonstrated that seismic performance of the test specimen was satisfactory in the plane of the shear wall; however, the structure sustained inter-story drift levels up to 2.45%. Negligible residual drifts were recorded after all applied earthquake excitations. Based on the shake-table test results, it is feasible to apply and popularize a self-centering precast RC frame with shear walls as a structural system in seismic regions.