Response of Friction Damped Braced Frames

TLDR

The study proposes a new aseismic design concept for steel‑framed buildings. The design incorporates sliding friction devices in the bracing system, which slip under severe shaking to dissipate vibrational energy mechanically and improve earthquake resistance. Dynamic analysis demonstrates that friction‑damped braced frames outperform other systems, acting as safety valves and dampers, and can be retrofitted into existing buildings to enhance earthquake resistance.

Abstract

A new concept of aseismic design for steel framed buildings is proposed. By providing sliding friction devices in the bracing system of the framed buildings, their earthquake resistance and damage control potential can be considerably enhanced. During severe earthquake excitations, the friction device slips and a large portion of the vibrational energy is dissipated mechanically in friction rather than inelastic yielding of the main structural components. Results of inelastic time-history dynamic analysis show superior performance of the friction damped braced steel frames when compared to computed responses of other structural framing systems. The proposed friction devices act, in affect, both as safety valves and structural dampers. The device may also be conveniently incorporated in existing framed buildings to upgrade their earthquake resistance.