Energy dissipation enhancement through multi-toggle brace damper systems for mitigating dynamic responses of structures

Abstract A novel energy dissipation system named multi-toggle brace damper (MTBD) system is proposed in this paper. A theoretical mechanism for analysing the magnification factor of the MTBD system is established. Based on the finite element models (FEMs) simulated by ABAQUS, several single-story two-dimensional frame models with fluid viscous damper are investigated and compared with the theoretical mechanism. The magnification factors of the MTBD systems are compared with those of the traditional toggle brace damper (TTBD) systems. In addition, the dynamic responses of several three story three-dimensional reinforced concrete frame structures with different brace damper systems under various earthquake excitation levels are considered and investigated. The results show that the theoretical mechanism of the MTBD system is almost identical with the FEMs. Compared with the concrete frame with the TTBD system, the MTBD system has a larger amplification factor, a fuller hysteresis loop and a more obvious energy dissipation effect. The roof maximum displacements of the concrete frame structures with MTBD system are reduced by 41.1% on average. The MTBD system can significantly enhance the vibration control effect and reduce the dynamic response of the superstructures.