During long-duration dynamic loads, such as wind loads or seismic effects, the internal temperature and pressure of a damping cylinder escalate rapidly, which induce shifts in the mechanical attributes of viscous fluid dampers (VFDs). This study investigated the mechanical performance of VFD considering the coupling effects of temperature and pressure under long-duration loads. First, we analyzed the mechanical and energy-dissipation performances of the dampers based on the dynamic mechanical tests considering different loading frequencies, displacement amplitude, and loading cycles. The experimental results indicated that both temperature and pressure influenced the output of the dampers, and in the sealed environment of the damper pip, temperature and pressure exerted mutual influence. Furthermore, the relationship between the damping coefficient and temperature–pressure coupling effects was obtained. Subsequently, an improved mathematical model for the mechanical performance of a gap-type VFD was proposed by considering the macroscopic energy balance of the entire fluid within the damper. Finally, the accuracy of the mathematical model for VFD under long-duration dynamic loads was validated by comparing the computational results with the experimental data.
29 December 2020 in Advances in Structural Engineering
This paper provides a practical design method for hybrid unbonded post-tensioned precast concrete joints. Such joints featured with self-centering capacities have been widely favored in recent years. However, the absence of design methods hinders their further promotion. To solve the issue, two methods for calculating mechanical behavior of the joints were first studied: characteristic points method and iterative method. The effectiveness of the methods was verified by the existing test results. On this basis, a joint design method considering both yield bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity was proposed. Moreover, to facilitate design, some factors affecting the bearing capacity were discussed. A five-story frame structure was designed by the proposed design method, and the influence of two design factors on structural response was analyzed by utilizing nonlinear time-history method. The analysis results show that: with the increase of energy dissipation factor α s , the post-earthquake residual deformation of the structure tends to increase linearly, while the accumulated damage of the structure will decrease continuously; both overdesign and underdesign of bearing capacity of the joint are unfavorable; and near-field earthquake may cause irreparable damage to structural columns, making the residual deformation of structures contrary to the self-centering capacity of joints, which shall be considered during engineering design.