Modelling and seismic response of structures equipped with viscoelastic dampers

In recent years, there have been studies on innovative approaches additional to the conventional design approaches in order to better protect the structures from the external dynamic forces. These innovative approaches focus on the materials and systems that react to the dynamic forces and dissipate the energy in itself. These innovative systems that generally dissipate the energy through friction or plastic deformation are called as passive energy dissipation systems. This study is concerned with the analytical modelling and seismic response analysis of structures with passive energy dissipation devices, such as viscoelastic dampers. Viscoelastic dampers were used in structures in order to mitigate dynamic effects. For this purpose, five and twelve storey four bay steel moment resisting frames with and without viscoelastic dampers were designed. The reference frames (without damper) and the frames with viscoelastic dampers were analyzed through nonlinear time history analysis by using natural ground motions. In the dynamic analyses, 1991 Alkion, 1992 Erzincan, and 1999 İzmit earthquakes were utilized as a ground motion. As a result of these analyses, roof displacement time history, inter-storey drift ratios, maximum plastic rotation of beams and columns, and energy time history plots were evaluated. From the results of this study, it was pointed out that the viscoelastic passive energy dissipation systems had substantial positive effects on the seismic behavior of steel framed structures.Keywords: Dynamic analysis, Framed structures, Passive energy dissipation systems, Seismic behavior, Viscoelastic damper