Seismic response of nonstructural elements in structures with energy-dissipation systems

The use of seismic protective systems incorporating energy dissipation devices constitutes a promising approach for reduction of damage to non-structural components in structures of architectural significance, critical facilities, hospitals, museums, and buildings containing important electronic equipment. Given the current emphasis on high performance structures and the interest in the behavior of nonstructural components, there is a need to assess the performance of secondary systems in structures equipped with seismic protective systems. An analytical study of buildings without and with seismic damping systems was conducted to investigate the dynamic response of secondary systems. The buildings were represented by steel frames designed by the procedures described in the 2003 NEHRP Recommended Provisions. Nonlinear response analyses were performed for the undamped frames and the damped frames equipped with different energy dissipation systems and for far-field, near-field, and soft-soil earthquake histories. The study shows that significant benefits may be provided by viscous damping systems in terms of reduced floor spectral accelerations and floor absolute velocities.