Shaking Table Tests on RC Frames strengthened with Simplified Friction Damper

Abstract

This study investigates the behavior of two reinforced concrete (RC) frames strengthened with simplified friction damper subjected to dynamic loading conditions. The simplified friction damper was designed with intent to achieve an economical and easy-to-fabricate and install damping device with minimum technically complexities. The damper was first tested under reversed cyclic loading conditions and later, used in retrofitting RC frames, mimicking the design of existing old structures in Korea. The damper was attached with a steel diagonal brace as a joint part. The shaking table tests were carried out using an artificial seismic wave representing the characteristics of the recent Korean Earthquake records. The shaking table test results showed that the proposed friction damping device effectively dissipated the seismic energy as well as improved the bucking performance of the diagonal steel brace.