Linking adjacent shear-type structures with viscous dampers for the mitigation of the seismic effects

This paper presents the results of an extensive (analytical and numerical) study carried out to investigate the effectiveness, for the mitigation of the seismic effects, of placing viscous dampers so that they connect the corresponding storeys of adjacent shear-type structures. These structures may be either two adjacent shear frame buildings or two portions of the same building (i.e. the structure and a lateral resisting element external or internal to the structure). This peculiar damper arrangement for inserting added viscous dampers in shear-type structures, if damper sizing is chosen appropriately, may be traced back to the indirect implementation of the so-called MPD (mass proportional damping) system which has been extensively studied in previous research works by the authors and has proved to be characterised by superior dissipative properties. The results show that this peculiar damper placement is capable of providing advantages (in terms of reduction of seismic response) upon both structures when compared with the dynamic behavior provided by the typical interstorey damper placements. This innovative arrangement substantially differs from the usual interstorey damper placement and leads to a clear indication for a new and efficient conceptual design for structures to be built in seismic areas.