The Effect of SMA Damper on Energy Dissipation and Eduction of Vibration Amplitude of Multi-Story Steel Frames

In recent years, the idea of ​​using durable materials which are capable of absorbing energy and have high ductility are highlighted in structural engineering. One example of these materials is shape memory alloys which show predefined physical properties in different conditions. These materials show little residual strain under loading and unloading cycles even when passing through the yield area. In fact, they create regenerative forces in structures. In this study, the effect of shape memory alloys on energy dissipation and reducing vibration amplitude of multi-story steel frame is investigated. For the present purpose, shape memory alloy rebars are used in the middle of the diagonal elements of braces. ABAQUS software is used in the present study. To validate models, first, two-story braced frame with shape memory alloy used in the laboratory studies of Han et al (2003) is modeled and analyzed in the software. The results obtained by the two laboratory and analytical methods are in acceptable agreement. To investigate the effect of height on the seismic performance of the buildings equipped with this type of dampers, 3- and 12-story buildings were considered and reciprocating nonlinear analysis and nonlinear dynamic time history analysis using Tabas accelerogram were performed. Results show that using this type of dampers cause quick energy dissipation and a significant reduction in the vibration amplitude and base shear so that the existence of shape memory alloy in 3-story building makes the ability of the structural system in dissipating energy and the initial stiffness of the system increase 2.5 and 2 times respectively. Moreover, with an increase in height, its effectiveness in controlling the seismic response of structure is reduced between 10-15 percent.