Seismic control of adjacent buildings using fluid dampers: Experimental study

Abstract

This chapter investigates the dynamic characteristic and seismic response of adjacent buildings linked by fluid dampers using a 4m x 4m seismic simulator. Two building models are built as one five-storey steel frame 5m high and the other six-storey steel frame 6m high. The fluid dampers connecting the two building models are of linear force-velocity property. The control performance of fluid dampers is assessed through the comparison of dynamic characteristic and seismic response of the adjacent buildings linked by fluid dampers with those linked by rigid rods or without any connections. The effects of the number, location, and linking pattern of fluid dampers on control performance are then investigated. The results show that the installation of fluid dampers can significantly reduce the seismic responses of both buildings. The number, location, and linking pattern of fluid dampers should be considered properly to achieve good control performance. The use of more dampers does not necessarily achieve larger vibration reduction. The oblique damper arrangement could reduce the seismic responses of buildings in two directions but it could introduce some torsional effects.