Performance of viscous fluid dampers coupling adjacent inelastic structures under near-fault earthquakes

Abstract

The behavior of viscous fluid damper applied in coupling structures subjected to near-fault earthquake was studied. The structural nonlinearity was characterized by Bouc-Wen model and several near-fault ground motions were simulated by the combination of a recorded earthquake (background ground motion) with equivalent velocity pulses that possess near-fault features. Extensive parametric studies were carried out to find the appropriate damping coefficient. Performances of viscous fluid dampers were demonstrated by the relationship between the force and displacement, the maximal damper force and stroke. The control performances were demonstrated in terms of the response reductions of adjacent structures. The results show that the dynamic responses of adjacent structures are mitigated greatly. Proper damping coefficients of connecting fluid dampers have a small difference, while adjacent structures under different near-fault ground motions with the same peak acceleration. The maximum force of damper is about 0.8 MN, and the maximum damper stroke is about ±550 mm. Satisfied viscous fluid dampers can be produced according to the current manufacturing skills.