The computational modeling of hysteretic dampers is a powerful tool for design, allowing us to predict and optimize damper performance. In this research, a numerical model, based on Chaboche’s nonlinear kinematic hardening constitutive law, was implemented. The parameters of this law were identified and validated by inverse analysis, based on the macro-hysteretic response of the hexagonal honeycomb steel damper. The validated model was applied to simulate the cyclic loading behavior of five proposed steel plate shear yielding dampers (SPSYDs), which were then used to compare the hysteretic performance in terms of effective stiffness, effective damping, and energy dissipation capacity. The parametric analysis of design variables performed on the SPSYDs demonstrated that the plate depth does not modify the effective damping, and the thickness is the most significant factor affecting the maximum displacement, dissipation energy and endurance cycles. The comparison of the performance of the dampers allowed us to establish design guidelines for the SPSYDs, which allow the device to be adjusted with the requirements of the building in which it is installed.

Computational simulation is a highly reliable tool used to solve structural analysis problems. In recent times, several techniques have been developed in the field of computational mechanics in order to analyze non-linearities in less time, helping decision-making when structures suffer damage. The global–local analysis is a technique to increase the efficiency of computational simulations by using a global model to obtain boundary conditions in a coupling zone imposed on a local model. Coupling can be performed through the primal–dual method, which is used for crack propagation using 2D and 3D models with fine meshes, thus saving computational time. However, it has not been implemented at a commercial level to analyze large structures such as multi-story buildings with focused non-linearities. In this work, a global–local analysis with non-intrusive methodology and simplified models was implemented in a cracked framed structure, using a 1D (global) and 3D (local) coupling considering crack propagation with primal–dual interface conditions. Different lengths of the local model were analyzed, studying their influence on the convergence of the problem, and compared with a 3D monolithic model to check the reliability of the results. The results show that the proposed methodology solves the problem with an error less than 10%. Furthermore, it was determined that the dimensions of the local model affect the convergence of the problem. This work also provides an implementation of the method for large structures containing focused non-linearities and using commercial software, reducing computational time for the cracked structural analysis.

U-shaped seismic dampers, passive metallic devices that dissipate energy by cyclic plastic deformation, are designed to mitigate the effects of seismic loads on structures. This study focuses on the development of an advanced computational model of a U-shaped damper, chosen for its unique design of variable thickness and width, which contributes to its superior performance. The simulation uses nonlinear finite element analysis and a bilinear hardening model calibrated to the actual stress–strain curve of the low-carbon steel. To ensure accuracy, a rigorous mesh convergence analysis is performed to quantify numerical prediction errors and establish a model suitable for predicting local deformation phenomena, including strain and stress fields, throughout the displacement-based loading protocol. Mesh sensitivity analysis, performed by examining the equivalent stress and cumulative plastic strain, derives the damper hysteresis curve and confirms the convergence criteria of the mesh within the experimentally observed plastic response range of the material. The resulting computational model is a novel contribution that provides reliable predictions of local inhomogeneous deformation and energy dissipation, essential for optimizing damper design and performance through more sophisticated damage-fatigue models that guarantee the lifetime of a damper.