Abstract

Structural control through integration of passive damping devices within structures has proven to be a most promising strategy for earthquake safety. Within this research field, the concept of adaptable dual control systems has been initially proposed for application in frame structures supplemented with a cross cable bracing with closed circuit and a hysteretic damper of steel plates. The control mechanism enables the elastic response of the primary structure through energy dissipation only effected by the damper that is activated by all bracing members. In extending the applicability range of the control concept in both, in engineering and broader architectural context, and further improving the controlled system’s performance, an alternative configuration of the bracing-damper mechanism is investigated. Following the construction design of the control system members a numerical dynamic analysis of a SDOF system is performed for three representative international earthquake motions of differing frequency contents. The characteristic stiffness and yield force of the integrated damper are investigated in their optimum values for achieving high energy dissipation capacity of the system, while preventing possible increase of the maximum base shear and relative displacements.

Keywords: Structural control; Cable braced frame; Hysteretic damper; Dual system