Numerical and analytical investigation of the effect of u-shaped aluminum dampers on the seismic performance of steel frames

Daemi, Farbod; Habibi, Mohammad Reza; Tavana, Mohammad Hadi; Eivani, Hamed

doi:10.22065/jsce.2025.489205.3571

Numerical and analytical investigation of the effect of u-shaped aluminum dampers on the seismic performance of steel frames

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Farbod Daemi

Mohammad Reza Habibi

Mohammad Hadi Tavana

Hamed Eivani

Department of Civil Engineering, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran.

10.22065/jsce.2025.489205.3571

Abstract

Yielding dampers are one of the energy-dissipating systems that operate passively. Energy dissipation in these dampers occurs through plastic deformations. The design of these dampers in structures is such that they yield before the main structural members. Therefore, the use of ductile materials with a low yield point is considered a suitable option for the construction of such dampers. In this study, the performance of U-shaped aluminum dampers as an energy-dissipating system in steel moment frames is proposed. Initially, an experimental specimen and analytical equations were used to validate the numerical model. Subsequently, the effect of these dampers on the seismic performance of the steel frame was investigated. The analyses performed on the frame equipped with aluminum dampers were conducted cyclically. The aim of these analyses was to examine the influence of the damper's radius and thickness on the effective and elastic stiffness, energy dissipation, strength, and the equivalent damping ratio of the frame. The results indicated that increasing the stiffness ratio of the dampers to the frame led to an increase in the stiffness and strength of the damper-equipped frame. The maximum energy dissipation occurred in the model where the stiffness ratio of the dampers to the frame was 10. A decrease in the damper stiffness relative to the frame resulted in an increase in the equivalent damping ratio of the frame. The results also showed that the increase in the elastic stiffness of the damper-equipped frame closely matched the sum of the damper and orginal frame stiffness.

Keywords

Aluminum yielding damper

Cyclic behavior

Energy dissipation

Steel moment frame

Numerical analysis

Subjects

Numerical Methods and Algorithms

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