EXPERIMENTAL STUDY AND APPLICATION IN STEEL STRUCTURE OF ‘DUAL FUNCTIONS’ METALLIC DAMPER

Abstract

A new type of metallic damper is presented in this study. It is so-called as dual functions metallic damper, since it has two characteristics of high initial stiffness and good energy-dissipating capability. Its initial stiffness is increased through making it bearing exterior in-plane force, and its energy-dissipating capability is improved through making it different shapes. Quasi-static tests with scale and full-scale models of the metallic dampers specimens designed with above idea are carried out, respectively. Two outstanding metallic dampers named round-hole metallic damper (RHMD) and double X-shaped metallic damper (DXMD) were selected and the DXMD was applied in an actual steel structure to improve initial stiffness of original structure under normal use or frequency earthquake and to dissipate inputting energy during great earthquakes. In addition, a three-dimensional model was established using finite element software and dynamic response comparison of the steel structure with and without DXMDs was conducted. The results shown that the metallic dampers presented here not only provide certain stiffness in the normal application, but also are of good ability of energy dissipation.