Analytical and numerical algorithm for exploring dynamic response of non-classically damped hybrid structures

Abstract

The dynamic characterization is important in making accurate predictions of the seismic response of the hybrid structures dominated by different damping mechanisms. Different damping characteristics arise from the construction of hybrid structure with different materials: steel for the upper part; reinforced concrete for the lower main part and interaction with supporting soil. The process of modeling damping matrices and experimental verification is challenging because damping cannot be determined via static tests as can mass and stiffness. The assumption of classical damping is not appropriate if the system to be analyzed consists of two or more parts with significantly different levels of damping. The dynamic response of structures is critically determined by the damping mechanisms, and its value is very important for the design and analysis of vibrating structures. A numerical algorithm capable of evaluating the equivalent modal damping ratio from structural components is desirable for improving seismic design. Two approaches are considered to explore the dynamic response of hybrid tower of cable-stayed bridges: The first approach makes use of a simplified model of 2 coupled lumped masses to investigate the effects of subsystems different damping, mass ratio, frequency ratio on dynamic characteristics and equivalent modal damping; the second approach employs a detailed numerical step-by step integration procedure.