An investigation on seismic performance of the separated fluid inerter base on model experiment and shaking table test

Fluid inerters have gained attention in structural vibration control for their simplicity, durability, high energy dissipation, and significant apparent mass amplification. This study presents an innovative design of a separated fluid inerter, which enhances inertial force, allows for more flexible installation methods, and supports a wider range of connections. A mechanical model is developed and experimentally validated for the separated fluid inerter. The effects of key design parameters on the device's mechanical properties are examined, with a focus on the radii (r(1)) and length (l) of the helical tube and the radii (r(2)) of hydraulic cylinder. Theoretical and experimental results confirm the model's reliability and the sensitivity of the device to these parameters. Additionally, a combination of the separated fluid inerter with anti-overturning rolling isolation is applied to a frame structure, and its seismic performance is evaluated through the shaking table test. The results indicate that the separated fluid inerter can effectively reduce the displacement of the isolation layer without significantly increasing the top floor acceleration of the frame structure equipped base isolation (FS-BI).