Capacity Spectrum-Based Retrofitting Method and Quick Design for Viscously Damped Structures by Utilizing the Concept of Uniform Damping Ratio

Viscous dampers have proven to be effective in enhancing the seismic performance of existing structures. Despite this, there is still a need for rapid and simplified design methods and formulae for viscous dampers that can take into account the elastic–plastic performance of structures. This study introduces a retrofit design method for existing structures using viscous dampers, based on the concept of uniform damping ratio (UDR), with the aim of fully utilizing each damper. The UDR concept assumes that each damper in the structure provides the same UDR when subjected to seismic excitations of identical intensity. In this method, the first step involves defining the equivalent damping ratio (EDR) of the damper. Then, based on the capacity spectrum of the structure, the response mitigation ratio can be determined, which helps to determine the additional EDR required from the dampers. Once the UDR and additional EDR from the viscous damper have been determined, the parameters of the dampers at each story can be rapidly obtained. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this method, a six-story reinforced concrete frame was utilized as a benchmark structure. A comparison between this UDR-based approach and a traditional design approach was also conducted. The study findings reveal that the UDR concept enables the maximum utilization of energy dissipation capacity of viscous dampers installed in the structure, leading to a more effective and economical design approach.

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