Bracing Systems for Installation of MR Dampers in a Building Structure

In this study, the effects of bracing systems for installing a magnetorheological (MR) damper in a building structure on seismic response control are analytically and experimentally investigated. The performance of the toggle brace system which enables the installed damper to generate larger effective control force due to its response amplification mechanism than a conventional brace system is evaluated. In addition, the nonlinear velocity amplification factor for the toggle brace—MR damper system and the effect of toggle configuration are considered. Analytical and experimental results show that control performance can be enhanced using the toggle brace system especially for the case in which the MR damper installed using non-amplifying brace system cannot provide sufficient response reduction.