Energy Dissipation Systems for Vibration Control of Framed Buildings: A Review

In conventional structural design, the stiffness and energy absorption mechanisms are combined in a single system, and the structure is allowed to deform inelastically. Experience with recent earthquakes has shown that the economical penalty associated with repairing conventionally designed structures can be significant. Situations also exist in which the conventional design approach is not appropriate. When a structure must remain functional after an earthquake, as is the case of important lifeline buildings (such as hospitals) the conventional design approach focusing on only life safety is inappropriate. For such cases, the structure must be designed with sufficient strength so that inelastic action is either prevented or minimised. But this approach is very costly. Moreover, in such structures, special precautions need to be taken to safeguarding against damage or failure of important occupational and functional systems, which are needed for continuing serviceability. Use of supplemental energy dissipation devices that can dissipate a large proportion of the vibration energy can be a viable option to safeguard the occupational and functional systems. An examination of the behavior and effects of these systems considers the distribution of energy within a structure. During a seismic event, energy is input into a structure. This input energy is transformed into both kinetic and potential (strain) energy, which must be either absorbed or dissipated. There is always some level of inherent damping, which dissipates energy from the system and therefore reduces the amplitude of vibration until the motion ceases. The structural performance can be improved if a larger portion of the input energy can be absorbed, not by structure itself, but by some type of supplemental energy-dissipating devices. This paper presents a review on energy dissipation system for vibration control of framed buildings.