Influence of Geometrical Features on the Cyclic Behavior of S-Shaped Steel Dampers Used in Sustainable Seismic Isolation: Experimental Insight with Numerical Validation

Kai Guo (), Gaetano Pianese, Peng Pan and Gabriele Milani
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Kai Guo: Guangling College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
Gaetano Pianese: Department of Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
Peng Pan: Key Laboratory of Civil Engineering Safety and Durability of China Education Ministry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Gabriele Milani: Department of Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: Seismic isolation systems play a crucial role in enhancing structural resilience during earthquakes, with lead rubber bearings being a widely adopted solution. These bearings incorporate lead cores to effectively dissipate seismic energy. However, their widespread application is constrained by significant drawbacks, including high costs and environmental concerns associated with lead. This study introduces a novel sustainable S-shaped steel damper made from standard steel. The influence of key geometrical parameters—thickness, width, and the distance from the bolt hole to the arc’s start—on the cyclic behavior of the dampers was investigated. Seven prototypes were designed, manufactured, and experimentally tested to evaluate their horizontal stiffness and damping performance. Subsequentially, the experimental results were considered for the validation of a numerical model based on a full 3D Finite Element discretization. The model, calibrated using simple uniaxial steel material tests, facilitates the identification of optimal geometric features for the production of S-shaped steel dampers without the need for extensive prototype fabrication and experimental testing. Additionally, the model can be seamlessly integrated into future numerical structural analyses, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of performance characteristics. In conclusion, this research provides critical insights into the geometric optimization of S-shaped steel dampers as cost-effective and sustainable dissipation devices. It offers both experimental data and a robust numerical model to guide future designs for improved seismic mitigation performances.

Keywords: hysteretic behavior; S-shaped steel dampers; optimal design; finite element analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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