Friction-Dampers for Economic Seismic Design

by Avtar S. Pall, Pall Dynamics Ltd, Canada,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Seismic Engineering: Research and Practice

Abstract:

A novel structural system, which combines the strength and stiffness of a braced frame and energy dissipation capacity of the friction-dampers, has been used in the design of a reinforced concrete building. Quasi-static and non-linear time history dynamic analysis show the superior performance of the device-equipped building relative to other building systems. During a major earthquake, a large portion of the seismic energy is dissipated by the devices with no dependence on ductility, so the main structural elements remain elastic without damage. Furthermore, the new system while assuring added safety to the occupants and reduced damage to the contents, offers the benefit of significant savings in the initial cost of construction. Shake table tests at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, the University of California at Berkeley and the Imperial College at London have demonstrated superior performance of friction-damped frames.

Subject Headings: Seismic design | Damping | Building design | Seismic tests | Reinforced concrete | Frames | Structural systems

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search