Seismic design of viscoelastic dampers for structural applications

Some practical issues associated with the application of viscoelastic (VE) dampers to building structures for seismic performance enhancement are studied in this paper. A sequential procedure is developed for optimally placing VE dampers to structures, based on the concept of degree of controllability. This optimal placement procedure is then experimentally verified using a five-story steel model structure. Economical use of the VE dampers is made possible by adding them to the optimal locations found by this procedure, as is clearly demonstrated by the numerical examples and experimental results presented in the paper. A design procedure is also presented by which damper dimensions, number, and locations needed to achieve desired level of additional damping can be determined in accordance with the structural parameters and structural-response reduction requirement. Design of VE dampers for a 24-story steel frame is presented as an example, showing the complete design procedure for applying VE dampers to realistic structures.