Seismic Response of a 2/5 Scale Steel Structure with Added Viscoelastic Dampers

Abstract

Seismic response characteristics of a 2/5 scale steel frame structure with added viscoelastic dampers are studied experimentally. The major emphasis is placed on the ambient temperature effect. While seismic response of a structure can be significantly improved with added dampers, their degree of effectiveness depends on the surrounding temperature within which they operate. Results also show that, even at very high temperatures, the viscoelastically damped structure can still achieve a significant reduction of structural response as compared to the case with no dampers added. The design of viscoelastic dampers, taking into account the ambient temperature, is addressed. Empirical equations are established based on regression analysis using data obtained from component tests of the dampers. These equations can satisfactorily estimate the dynamic properties of dampers under various ambient temperatures, excitation frequencies and deformations. Numerical simulations on equivalent structural damping and structural response under various ambient temperatures are also carried out. It is demonstrated that the dynamic behavior of structures with added viscoelastic dampers can be satisfactorily predicted by existing analytical tools.