Seismic Design and Performances of Frame Structures Connected to a Strongback System and Equipped with Different Configurations of Supplemental Viscous Dampers

The paper investigates the dynamic behavior of structural systems obtained by connecting a moment-resisting frame structure with vertical rigid truss pinned at base, known in literature as “strongback,” and equipped added fluid-viscous dampers. strongback, designed order to remain elastic field under strong seismic ground motion, acts mast imposing linear lateral deformed shape. By regularizing drift profile structure, strongback limits undesired effects such weak-storey mechanisms, damage concentration residual drifts. In addition, when supplemental dampers are inserted considerable amount energy can be dissipated, thus reducing peak response. aim work is twofold: i) provide analytical formulations for preliminary design based on Generalized Single Degree Of Freedom (GSDOF) concept, ii) evaluate increase dissipation capabilities selected configurations thanks presence strongback. formulas developed different viscous dampers: within between all or consecutive storeys (inter-storey placement) located base realize “dissipative tower.” effectiveness evaluated through time-history analyses.