On the seismic response and damping capacity of low-rise plane steel frames with seesaw system

Abstract This paper summarizes estimated seismic response results from nonlinear inelastic seismic analyses of low-rise plane steel frames equipped with a seesaw system in which linear viscous dampers have been applied. More specifically, considering for each frame three different configurations of the seesaw system and two different orientations of columns, seismic response results involving height wise distributions for peak interstorey drift ratios (IDR), peak residual interstorey drift ratios (RIDR) and peak floor accelerations (PFA) have been obtained. Moreover, peak seismic demands in columns and in the steel plates of the seesaw are found. Results in terms of modal damping ratios are also provided for all frames and seesaw configurations examined. From the results presented, it can be concluded that the seesaw system provides a very attractive solution for typical low-rise steel frames offering significant damping capacity and reduction of their seismic response.