Resumen de Experimental validation of novel friction damper for anti-seismic control of civil structures
R. Di Leo, L. Lecce, R. Pecora, F. Amoroso
friction damper device, based on piezoelectric technology, for the anti-seismic control of civil structures.
A civil structure, representative of a two storey steel framed building, and a reference seismic excitation signal were used to size the semi-active friction damper. Matlab- Simulink® based software (EarthSim) was implemented to simulate the response of the steel frame to the seismic excitation, applied at the base of the structure. The dynamic response was evaluated both in the case of the active device (controlled response) as well as the non-active device. Diff erent confi gurations (in terms of the device’s overall performance and control algorithm parameters) were simulated for the active control system. In so doing, a reference confi guration for the structural control system was determined by identifying optimal values for control logic parameters, as well as for the damper’s preload and maximum force.
Focus then turned to the structural design phase. 3D CAD was used to generate a digital mock-up of the device and structural analyses were conducted using the fi nite element method.
The proposed device presents an original conceptual layout, characterised by a compact and easy allocation of the piezo actuator which is installed inside the piston of the damper. A highly effi cient transmission chain allows for the transfer of the compression force generated by the piezo actuator, to four pads of friction material, preventing the motion of the piston along its chamber. Theoretical performances were validated by means of experimental tests carried out on a physical prototype, loaded through a hydraulic test machine.
