Performance of steel frames with a new friction damper device under earthquake excitation

A study on the dynamic response of single-storey steel frames equipped with a novel friction damper device (FDD) is presented. Extensive testing was carried out for assessing the friction pad material, damper unit performance and scaled model frame response to lateral harmonic excitation. Numerical simulations based on non-linear time history analysis were used to evaluate the seismic behaviour of steel frames with inserted FDD. The governing parameters were identified and their influence was traced and summarised along with implications for practical design. The application of the new FDD presents a feasible alternative to the conventional ductility-based earthquake-resistant design both for new construction and for upgrading existing structures.