THE EFFECTS OF VISCOUS WALL DAMPER TYPE AND QUANTITY ON STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Energy dissipation devices, characterized by their capacity to reduce seismic demands, are widely implemented as effective and innovative solutions for the structural protection of buildings. Viscous Wall Dampers (VWD) also provide significant advantages, particularly in the design of high-rise reinforced concrete buildings and the retrofitting of existing structures without compromising architectural aesthetics. This study investigates the effectiveness of using different types and quantities of VWDs on the dynamic performance of a reinforced concrete building. Twelve models were generated based on combinations of width, wing, and quantity parameters to evaluate the performance of the VWD. A 10-story reinforced concrete building was analyzed using nonlinear time history analysis methodology under 11 scaled ground motions compliant with TBEC 2018. Parameters such as inter story drift ratio, displacement, story acceleration, story shear force, and damping were compared. Displacement and force demands of the VWDs were calculated. Furthermore, the effect of VWD type and quantity on energy balances was examined. As a result of the analyses, it was found that the increase in the number of dampers was effective in limiting inter story drifts, but supplemental damping ratios exceeding 50% led to increases in story accelerations.