Implementation of Cement-based nano composite Energy Absorption Damper to improve the damping properties of concrete and monitoring applications

Abstract

The energy from the moving seismic waves through a building structure is dispersed by means of dampers. Dampers work by converting the kinetic energy into heat energy, dissipating it into the hydraulic fluid. Damper systems are designed and manufactured to protect structural integrity, reduce structural damage, and prevent injury to people by absorbing energy from earthquakes and minimizing structural deformations. The most effective way to achieve good vibration damping is by tailoring the construction materials such as cement with nanomaterials like Silica, Alumina, Graphene, CNTs, etc. This paper focuses on developing a vibration damper, prepared by cement nanocomposite containing MWCNTs and Carbon fibers. The tests, such as the Impact, Flexural, and Compressive strength tests, are conducted to investigate their energy-absorbing capacity, strength, and durability. The microstructural analysis SEM is performed to know the morphology of concrete mix with MWCNTs and Carbon fibers on damping mechanism. Impact test results indicate that the beams without MWCNTs and CFs exhibited an average energy absorption of 248 J, while those with MWCNTs and CFs absorbed an average energy of 262 J which shows almost 15% more energy absorption. Adding nanomaterials in a cement matrix improves concrete’s frictional damping energy consumption ability and increases structures’ energy-absorbing properties, flexural strength, and compressive strength.