Structural passive control on electromagnetic friction energy dissipation device

A study on the dynamic response of five-storey steel frame equipped with a novel electromagnetic friction damper (EFD) device is presented. Extensive testing was carried out for assessing the performance for energy dissipation. The EFD device can provide a controlling force that can vary continuously, with rapid response and recognizing reverse and thereby overcome the drawbacks of the conventional energy dissipation devices whose force models are invariable. Finite element analysis was also used to evaluate the seismic behavior of the steel frame with EFD device. The application of the new EFD presents a feasible alternative to the conventional ductility-based earthquake-resistant design for both new construction and upgrading existing structures.