Evaluation of vibration control system with U-dampers based on quasi-linear motion mechanism

This paper presents a new vibration control system for protection of steel structures from earthquakes. The proposed system, which uses a quasi-linear motion mechanism, achieves dissipation of seismic energy into the structure through yielding of U-shaped steel dampers. Based on the linear motion mechanism characteristics, the bracing members are subjected only to tensile force. This feature can eliminate the brace-buckling problem for braces, making rod members applicable to bracing members. This paper presents an outline of the vibration control system with subsequent evaluation of the lateral stiffness and strength of the frames with the proposed device. Six cyclic loading tests are conducted using the frame models with the proposed system. The accuracy of the evaluation is discussed by comparing the cyclic loading test results.

► We propose a new vibration control system with U-shaped steel dampers.
► We evaluate stiffness and strength of the vibration control system.
► Accuracy of the evaluation is examined by using the cyclic loading test results.