The Effect of Viscous Dampers on Improvement of the Behavior of Tall Belt Truss Structures

Using energy absorption systems in the structures with malfunctioning components is of paramount importance. By absorbing the seismic energy, these systems help the components of the structure to remain resilient during earthquake. In the present study, viscous dampers were applied in order to enhance the reactions of tall building with belt truss. To assess the response of a structure under earthquake loading conditions, we used the dynamic non-linear time-history analysis by the finite element method (FEM) using the ABAQUS software. Considering that the frequency content varies in earthquakes, each exert a different effect on the structure. For the evaluation of this parameter, seven accelerograms were used for the dynamic non-linear analysis. The studied tall buildings had 20, 30 and 40 floors and were selected without a damper and with viscous dampers so as to determine the effect of the number of floors on structural behavioral with and without dampers. X-braces were used in the structure, and the viscous dampers were applied within the horizontal braces. In addition, belt truss was used once in the last floor and again in the last and middle floors. According to the results, the structure’s response reduced due to the use of dampers or a second belt truss, so that the simultaneous addition of the middle belt truss and damper was associated with the highest reduction in the structure’s response (66.72%). However, this effect does not occur at all times, and the possibility must be considered for the structure before implementation. On the other hand, our findings suggested that the effects of the damper and middle belt truss on the decreased acceleration and maximum base shear would augment with increased height. Therefore, using dampers with middle belt truss is one of the most effectual techniques to reduce the structure response in tall buildings.