Finite element modelling of sandwich box column with viscoelastic layer for passive vibrations control under seismic loading

This paper presents an alternative technological solution for passive earthquake control of shear building structures. For this purpose, new two nodes with ten DOF per node finite element is formulated for dynamic analysis of sandwich box column with viscoelastic material as core layer under torsion and bending effects. The viscoelastic material is modelled as a linear solid-type material to present the damping characteristics. Dynamic equilibrium equations are written in time domain and they are resolved numerically by adopting the time step-by-step Newmark numerical integration method, in conjunction with trapezoidal rule to compute the integration term of the dynamic equation. The influences of the boundary conditions to reduce the tip displacements and accelerations of a one storey building under seismic loads as far as possible are discussed.

► Technological solution for efficient seismic control of steel buildings. ► New two nodes with ten DOF per node FE sandwich bow column are formulated. ► New numerical procedure is proposed which leads to less computing effort. ► Influences of the boundary conditions to mitigate the seismic response.