Comparative study of seismically excited coupled buildings with VF damper and LR bearings

Abstract

Coupling of adjacent dissimilar buildings connected by semiactive dampers involving base isolation is one of the more viable techniques against seismic hazards mitigation through which counter-acting forces exert one upon another in addition to isolation effect. The proposed study two buildings of dissimilar in dynamic characteristics from these, two coupled building models are considered that is, first model (Model-1) consisting of taller building (Building-1) and shorter building (Building-2) are connected in-line variable friction dampers whereas second model (Model-2) is same as first except taller building is isolatedby laminated rubber bearing at base. The seismic response analysis of these twomodels is compared with normal buildings of same characteristics. The seismic response analysis is carried out by exciting under unidirectional excitation due to Kobe 1995 earthquake. The governing equation of motion of these models and normal buildings are solved by state space method. The dynamic behavior of laminated rubber bearing is studied by Wen’s model whereas predictive control lawused as control algorithm to predict the dynamic behaviour of variable friction damper. The seismic responses of these buildings are simulated through coding using MATLAB computing software. The proposed study conclude that seismic performance of coupled building Model-2 work very significantly in reducing seismic response than Model-1 but Model-1 works effectively in avoiding pounding effects by adjacent buildings. Further, there is significant reduction in responses of Building-1 whereas marginal reduction is observed in Building-2.