A parametric assessment of seismic behavior of reinforced concrete frames retrofitted using tension-compression resilient slip friction dampers under pulse- and non-pulse like earthquake

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to quantify the effects of damper design parameters, building height, and seismic input types on the seismic response of reinforced concrete frames retrofitted with tension-compression resilient slip friction dampers. Despite their growing application, the performance of these dampers across different structural configurations and earthquake scenarios remains underexplored. By addressing this gap, the research seeks to provide data-driven insights to optimize retrofit strategies and enhance seismic resilience. The goal is to inform future design standards and contribute to more effective implementation of friction-based damping systems in earthquake-prone regions.Design/methodology/approachThis study presents a parametric investigation using nonlinear time-history analysis in OpenSeesPy to assess the seismic performance of reinforced concrete moment-resisting frames retrofitted with tension-compression resilient slip friction dampers. Three damper configurations with varying friction thresholds and stiffness levels are evaluated across 3-, 5-, and 7-story building frames. Sixty ground motion records are considered, equally divided into pulse-like near-fault, non-pulse-like near-fault and far-field categories. Key structural response parameters, including peak roof displacement, interstory drift ratios, base shear forces and roof acceleration, are examined. The study aims to clarify how damper properties and structural characteristics influence seismic response outcomes.FindingsThe study reveals that damper effectiveness significantly depends on the interplay between damper properties, building height and earthquake type. Retrofitted frames exhibited substantial reductions in peak roof displacement, interstory drift and base shear compared to the unretrofitted model, particularly under near-fault pulse-like motions. Damper configurations with moderate friction thresholds and balanced stiffness offered optimal performance across scenarios. Additionally, taller frames benefited more noticeably from damping interventions. These results emphasize the importance of tailored damper parameterization for different structural and seismic contexts, providing robust evidence to guide the seismic retrofit of existing reinforced concrete structures using friction-based systems.Originality/valueThis study provides a novel contribution by systematically evaluating the seismic performance of reinforced concrete frames retrofitted with tension-compression resilient slip friction dampers under a wide range of structural configurations and earthquake types. Unlike previous research that focused on limited scenarios, this work integrates multiple damper designs, building heights, and categorized ground motion records to offer statistically robust insights.