Performance characterization of semi active dampers as structural hazards mitigation measures

Abstract

Over the past three decades a great deal of interest has been generated regarding the use of structural protective systems to mitigate the effects of dynamic environmental hazards such as earthquakes and strong wind on civil engineering structures These systems usually employ supplemental damping devices to increase the energy dissipation capability of the protected structure One of the most promising new device proposed for structural protection is magnetorheological MR fluid dampers Because of their mechanical simplicity high dynamic range low power requirements large force capacity and robustness this class of devices has been shown to mesh well with application demands and constraints to offer an attractive means of protecting civil infrastructure systems against severe earthquake and wind loading newline newline