Abstract
Earthquake resistant design requires the knowledge of strategies to minimize the effects of the seismic load onto the structural response. In this paper, the implementation criteria of nonlinear viscous fluid dampers (VFD), in diagonal configuration is discussed. Two different values in the damping exponent (α), 0.25 and 0.50 are studied, in a 15th-story and heliport RC hospital building in Colombia. The analysis was carried out using ETABS software, by implementing the nonlinear dynamic analysis (time-history) method for one representative seismic signal for the country, initially scaled to 0.40 g and subsequently to 0.60 g for the design of the damper device. However, three cases had to be analyzed in order to make a good comparison: the original building, a building with alternative wall configuration, and finally the modified structure with dampers. Results were represented in terms of displacements and interstory drifts, and the curve of the energy balance of the system. The results show a substantial decrease in ductility demand, as well as their displacements and drifts. Another important aspect to consider is that by using a higher value of α, better results can be achieved.
Highlights
The leading concept of seismic design procedures is based on guaranteeing the safety and functionality of the structures, avoiding collapse; this requires that certain elements take a dissipate energy through inelastic cyclic deformations
In order to study the advantages coming from the use of viscous fluid dampers (VFD), this paper is focused on the possible recurses to such as strategy in the structural design of an RC hospital building in Colombia
Φ ω cos θ ∑ mφ where ξ : equivalent damping ratio of the system contributed by nonlinear dampers, λ: parameter related to velocity, C : damping coefficient of damper j, m : mass of the floor i, θ : inclination angle of damper j, φ : mode displacement at floor i, φ : relative horizontal displacement of damper j, Α: amplitude, ω: angular frequency, α: damping exponent
Summary
The leading concept of seismic design procedures is based on guaranteeing the safety and functionality of the structures, avoiding collapse; this requires that certain elements take a dissipate energy through inelastic cyclic deformations. The requirement which is typical of hospitals, of operation continuity after a seismic event involves a challenge for structural engineers to implement special resources allowing optimal designs. In this case, an effective solution is given by the use of passive devices such as VFD, in order to have better control on the seismic response and reduce the demand for energy dissipation in structural elements
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