Development of bent shear panel dampers for eccentrically braced composite frames

Traditional shear panel dampers (SPDs) can be vertically installed in eccentrically braced composite frames (EBCFs) to effectively increase the stiffness and strength of such frames. Moreover, SPDs can dissipate the input energy in such frames through their plastic deformation in seismic conditions. However, vertically installed dampers may impose an additional bending moment on the middle segment of the primary beam in the composite frame, resulting in significant damage to the concrete slab. To overcome this limitation, a novel type of SPDs with bent web panels (BSPDs) is developed, in which the end plate of the BSPD is connected to the web of the composite beam. In this configuration, the bending moment resulting from the SPDs can be minimized, thereby reducing the damage to the concrete slab. In this study, the characteristics of BSPDs and their configuration in EBCFs were examined. Subsequently, the key design parameters of the EBCFs with BSPDs, which could help alleviate the damage to the concrete slab, were identified. Moreover, different BSPDs were experimentally and numerically investigated to verify their seismic performance. The results indicated that BSPDs exhibit ductile behaviour after yielding and excellent energy dissipation capacities. Low-yield-point steel and link flanges can be used to increase the deformation capacity and energy dissipation efficiency of such dampers. Results of the experimental and numerical investigations were considered to specify design recommendations for the application of BSPDs.