ON THE MECHANICAL MODELING OF AN INNOVATIVE ENERGY DISSIPATION DEVICE

This study concerns the mechanical response of an innovative energy dissipation device. Using this device, beam column frames can be easily and safely strengthened at many predefined levels according to the seismic load demands of technical standards. The energy dissipation mechanism of the superimposed blades functions via both steel yielding and frictional forces between the blades. The streghtening level can easily be adjusted by the appropriate selection of the number and dimensions of the superimposed blades, their elastoplastic properties, as well as the friction coefficient at their interface. The device was fabricated and investigated both analytically and experimentally under cyclic loading conditions. The analytical model was based on an analytical hysteresis model. The obtained results describe the overall mechanical behavior of the device.