Analytical and experimental results demonstrate that the performance improvements from active control systems can also be achieved with passive and semi-active fluid dampers. However, passive or semi-active fluid dampers offer the advantages of low cost, no or minimal demand for external power, longevity and reliability.
Experimental study of both a moment frame building and a single span bridge, both with and without viscous dampers, are described here. Additions of viscous dampers significantly reduced both drift and shear forces.
This paper is a condensed version of Technical Paper.
A quarter scale model of a three story steel moment frame building was tested on a shake table using time histories from a large number of earthquakes including Taft, El Centro, etc. Tests were conducted both without dampers and with varying numbers of dampers. Test results correlated well with the analytical predictions. Conclusions; viscous dampers reduced story drifts by 30% to 70%. These reductions are comparable to those achieved by other energy dissipating systems such as viscoelastic, friction and yielding steel dampers. However, the use of fluid dampers also reduced story shear forces by 40% to 70%, while other energy absorbing devices showed no significant reduction.
This paper describes an NSF funded project to investigate viscous dampers with controlled variable damping constant, using electrorheological fluid. Experimental results correlate well with analytical predictions.
Taylor Devices, Inc. has been the leader in shock and vibration technology since 1955. Now, we have boldly stepped into the forefront of one of civil engineering’s greatest challenges: Seismic protection of buildings, bridges, historical structures, and even residential dwellings. Extensive research has been conducted in a joint effort with the National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (NCEER), located at the State University of New York at Buffalo. A practical approach has been developed for dissipating energy from a structure by the addition of Taylor Devices’ unique Fluid Viscous Dampers. The most noteworthy features include a maintenance-free design proven by years of usage by the Military, “fail-safe” construction which insures safe operation for the life of the building or bridge, and significantly lower cost than conventional methods.
Taylor Devices’ Fluid Viscous Dampers can be incorporated into a newly designed structure or retrofit to existing structures to extend their ability to survive seismic events. The linear output of these devices allows ease in structural analysis using existing software codes.
This data book includes answers to the questions most frequently asked about the use of viscous damping in a structure. Application and sizing information is also provided. For more information about a custom designed seismic protection system for your specific application, please do not hesitate to contact us at our factory. Our staff of highly qualified experts is ready to help you.