Modelling and Design of Variable Friction Dampers for Improving Seismic Response of Structures

摘要

Using supplemental dampers is known as a way to get an enhanced structural response to earthquakes. Sometimes dampers are incorporated as a part of base isolation system in order to limit large base displacements. Passive variable friction dampers can be alternatively applied in order to get structural behaviour similar to that with active controlled systems. This paper presents a preliminary study of a variable friction damper having a new configuration. It is shown that the proposed configuration satisfies the requirements of semi-passive control. A principal theoretical model for choice of design parameters of the damper is proposed. In order to verify the properties of the variable friction damper, a laboratory experimental model has been designed and tested using a small-scale laboratory shaking table. It is shown that the proposed damper enables to get a desired variable force-displacement characteristic. The dynamic test has demonstrated that the parameters of the damper are in good correlation with the theoretically obtained results.