53. SEAOC Energy Dissipation Committee Appendix A: Guidelines for Buildings Using Passive Energy Dissipation Systems
This set of provisions provides minimum design requirements for the incorporation of passive energy dissipation devices in buildings. Energy dissipation devices (also termed damping devices) reduce global and interstory seismic displacement response of structural systems, but may either increase or decrease seismic stresses and accelerations within structural systems. They provide a controlled increase in structural damping, and may also result in an increase in structural stiffness or change in participating mass. Passive energy dissipation systems do not require active control by electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic systems. Buildings designed in conformance with these provisions must also be designed in accordance with all other applicable provisions of the Uniform Building Code, except as specifically defined in this appendix. Design must consider the combined behavior of all elements of both the Lateral Force Resisting System (LFRS) and the Energy Dissipation System (EDS). Energy dissipation devices must not form part of the gravity load – resisting system.