Comparison of Novel Seismic Protection Devices to Attenuate the Earthquake Induced Energy

Abstract

This study addresses an alternative use of viscous dampers (VDs) associated with buckling restrained braces (BRBs) as innovative seismic protection devices. For this purpose, 4-, 8- and 12-story steel bare frames were designed with 6.5 m equal span length and 4 m story height. Thereafter, they were seismically improved by mounting the VDs and BRBs in three patterns, namely outer bays, inner bays, and all bays over the frame heights. The structures were modeled using SAP 2000 software and evaluated by the nonlinear time history analyses subjected to the six natural ground motions. The seismic responses of the structures were investigated for the lateral displacement, interstory drift, absolute acceleration, maximum base shear, and time history of roof displacement. The results clearly indicated that the VDs and BRBs reduced seismic demands significantly compared to the bare frame. Moreover, the all-bay pattern performed better than the others.