A novel three-layer ring springs-based self-centering damper: Development, experiment, and numerical simulation

AbstractThe ring springs-based self-centering damper (RSD) has been proven to be a promising candidate for self-centering dampers due to the successful integration of self-centering and energy dissipation capacities. However, the above capacities still need to be further improved due to the uncertainty of severe earthquakes. To this end, a novel three-layer ring springs-based self-centering damper (TRSD) is proposed. First, the working principle and hysteretic behavior of the three-layer ring springs are introduced. Then, the working mechanism and fabrication process of the proposed TRSD are described, following by the cyclic loading tests of the conventional RSD and the proposed TRSD specimens. The TRSD specimen exhibits typical flag-shaped hysteretic behavior with stronger loading resistance and larger energy dissipation capacities. Particularly, the maximum force, equivalent stiffness, and dissipated energy of the TRSD increase by up to 260.12 %, 260.46 %, and 247.79 %, respectively. Finally, a case-study frame is designed and equipped with the RSDs and TRSDs, whose preload forces are identical to enable comparative performance assessment. Nonlinear dynamic analyses are carried out under 44 far-field ground motion records to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed TRSD on structural seismic performance. The results indicate that the TRSD is capable of harnessing the advantages of loading resistance and energy dissipation capacities, thereby effectively reducing the seismic responses under various hazard levels. Furthermore, the proposed TRSD with lower preload displacement demand will provide sufficient redundancy to ensure the safety of the building structures from potential collapse risk.