Shaking table investigations on the seismic performance of a steel frame with optimized passive energy dissipation devices

In this study, the seismic responses of two kinds of optimized metallic energy dissipation devices (EDDs) are investigated by conducting shaking table tests on two storey full-scale steel frame model. The dampers are installed in pairs between the beams and corresponding cross bracings on each storey of the model. Then the whole setup, with and without dampers are subjected to different seismic waves with Peak Ground Accelerations (PGAs) of 0.14g, 0.40g, 0.62g and 0.90g with various configurations. In this paper, the dynamic properties, seismic responses and damage details of these distinct setups are recorded, analyzed and compared between controlled and uncontrolled structures. Thus obtained result shows that the effect of these kinds of dampers on acceleration and displacement are quite significant. This study lays down a firm foundation for the reliability of these kinds of passive energy dissipation devices on the basis of deeper research investigations.