Torsional balance of plan-asymmetric structures with frictional dampers: Experimental results

Abstract

This investigation deals with the measured seismic response of a six-storey asymmetric structural model with frictional dampers. Its main objective is to experimentally prove the concept of weak torsional balance for mass- and stiffness-eccentric model configurations. The goal is to control the torsional response of these asymmetric structures and to achieve, if possible, a weak form of torsional balance by placing the so-called empirical centre of balance (ECB) of the structure at equal distance from the edges of the building plan. The control of the dynamic response of asymmetric structures is investigated herein by using steel-teflon frictional dampers. As expected from theory, experimental results show that the mean-square and peak displacement demand at the flexible and stiff edges of the plan may be similar in magnitude if the dampers are optimally placed. Frictional dampers have proven equally effective in controlling lateral-torsional coupling of torsionally flexible as well as stiff structures. On the other hand, it is shown that impulsive ground motions require larger frictional capacities to achieve weak torsional balance. Copyright (C) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.