Numerical investigation on the seismic performance of a RC framed building equipped with a novel Prestressed LEad Damper with Straight Shaft

This study aims at assessing the use of a novel damper, which is called Prestressed LEad Damper with Straight Shaft (or PS-LED), for seismic rehabilitation RC framed buildings. device provides high energy dissipation by friction activated between lead core and shaft achieves specific output force preloading during assembly. In order to show effectiveness PS-LED retrofit existing buildings, structure designed according past codes that ignored actions retrofitted system considering two different damage targets: (i) in first case, behave elastically under design earthquake; (ii) second partially dissipative behavior conceived, activation plastic hinges, limited reparable damage. assess suitability procedure, non-linear static analyses are performed on upgraded building, showing satisfactory agreement performance target. Non-linear dynamic further carried out suite bidirectional artificial ground motions response spectra matching average target spectrum Italian Building Code life-safety limit state. Finally, comparison performances building conventional steel hysteretic damper (SHD), demonstrating PS-LED, thanks its superior damping capacity, limits increase internal forces usually affects frames equipped SHDs, reducing need local strengthening columns foundations consequently total cost rehabilitation.