Numerical investigation into the effect of passive energy dissipation in low-rise structures built on soft-soil sites

This paper presents a study into the effectiveness of passive energy dissipation systems in low-rise structures built on soft soil sites subjected to ground motions. In this technique designated energy dissipating devices (EDDs) are installed in the structure such that a portion of the energy originated from ground shaking is diverted to. This paper focuses on displacement-based EDD whose response is highly non-linear. The governing equations of a multi-degree of freedom lumped-mass model with force-displacement non-linearity described by the Bouc-Wen model are presented. Two parameters, namely the brace-EDD assembly to frame stiffness ratios Sr and the yield drift angles γy are identified to be infl uential and a parametric study is carried out using response history analyses. Results indicate that Sr plays an important role on overall structural response, with an increase in Sr generally result in more desirable performance. On the contrary γy plays a less significant role. Results presented in this study give an insight into the preliminary selection of EDD and brace properties.