Seismic Design of Energy Dissipation Systems for Optimal Structural Performance

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University, Blacksburg VA

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Several energy dissipation devices such as friction dampers, yielding metallic dampers, viscoelastic dampers, and viscous fluid dampers are now available as seismic protective systems for retrofitting existing structures or for the design of new structures. Methods to design these systems such that they optimally achieve certain performance objectives are lagging far behind their hardware development. This research will develop a methodology for optimal placement and design of several commonly available energy dissipation systems to achieve certain structural performance objectives. Since these devices have their own attributes and limitations, optimal combination of two or more different types of devices will be considered to extract the best performance from them. For optimal search, the genetic algorithm-based procedures will be used. The research will consider several basic, as well as more comprehensive, performance objectives. The outcome of this research will be a practical methodology for optimal design of energy dissipating systems for building structures. It will facilitate and accelerate the use of these effective systems to design more safe and economical building structures.