Abstract:

Structural pounding is an important problem that may occur when closely spaced buildings experience earthquake excitation. Many energy dissipation devices are presently being used to reduce both structure vibration and probability of pounding. The goal of this research is to develop a methodology for optimal aseismic design of two adjacent structures via the use of passive energy dissipation devices, in order to minimize the pounding effect. In this research, metallic, viscous and viscoelastic dampers have been considered as the devices of choice to mitigate the risk of structural pounding.

For the best overall system response, a design procedure utilizing a performance function is used to attain the optimal distribution of the metallic, viscous and viscoelastic dampers in the adjacent structures. To determine the optimal size and location of these dampers in one or both of the structures, Genetic Algorithms are used. The required number of dampers of known capacity and their optimal placement locations in adjacent buildings are calculated to achieve the maximum reduction in a desired response.

Finally, a new methodology is developed employing Genetic Algorithms (GA) for the optimal aseismic design of two adjacent structures using passive energy dissipation devices with variable ground motion time history.