Seismic damage reduction of steel moment resisting frames using post-tensioning and friction dampers

Abstract

The chapter discusses the seismic damage reduction of steel moment resisting frames using posttensioning and friction dampers (PFDC). PFDC for earthquake-resistant steel moment-resisting frames (MRFs) is presented in the chapter. The connection includes posttensioned (PT) high-strength strands running parallel to a beam, with friction dampers located on the beam flanges. The connection minimizes inelastic deformation to the components of the connection as well as the beams and columns, and requires no field welding. Inelastic analyses are performed on a six-storey, four-bay steel MRF with PFDCs to study its response to strong ground motions. Results show that the MRF with PFDCs has good energy dissipation, self-centering capability, and strength, indicating that the seismic performance of the frame can exceed that of the MRF with conventional moment-resisting connections.