Seismic Applications of Energy Dampers

Abstract

Damping devices based on the operating principle of high velocity fluid flow through orifices have found numerous applications in the shock and vibration isolation of aerospace and defence systems. The study aims to investigate the feasibility of using energy dissipating fluid viscous dampers in structures to protect against seismic loads and to prove analytically and  experimentally that fluid viscous dampers can improve the seismic capacity of a structure by reducing damage and displacement without increasing stresses. Both steel and concrete structures were considered. Extensive analytical and experimental investigations have led to the hazad mitigation applications on buildings bridges. A series of experiments were performed to demonstrate the benefits of fluid viscous damping devices in steel moment frame and reinforced concrete building models and a steel bridge model were tested, and all exhibited improved resistance to a variety of seismic loads. Furthermore, fluid dampers would be used as elements of seismic isolation systems forenhancing their energy dissipation capability.