Development of Energy Dissipating Devices Using Real Time Hybrid Testing

Abstract eng:
Dissipative devices aim to absorb seismic energy during an earthquake, thus limiting inter-storey drifts, reducing damage to the main structure and improving the chances of immediate occupancy. Probably the simplest devices are based on yielding and hysteresis of metallic elements. This paper presents experimental work on a recently proposed mild steel shear panel hysteretic device. Its stability, low-cycle fatigue life and dissipative capacity are explored. Thermal imaging is used to view the energy flow through a cyclic test to destruction. Hysteretic capacity and low-cycle fatigue life are determined through a series of cyclic tests at constant strain amplitude. Finally, the performance of the device under repeated seismic loading is evaluated using the real-time hybrid technique, in which the test on the device is coupled to a numerical simulation of a surrounding structure. The device is shown to have great potential as a seismic energy absorber. Suggestions are made to improve the device through the use of alternative materials in place of steel.

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