This article presents the results of an exhaustive parametric analysis which compares the performances offered by various systems (which lead to both classical and non classical damping matrices) of added viscous dampers in shear-type structures. The aim of the research work here presented is the identification of the system of added viscous dampers which maximizes the dissipative properties under an equal “total size” constraint. The choice of the systems of added viscous dampers considered in the comparison is carried out both using a numerical approach (based upon the use of genetic algorithms) and a physically based approach (based upon the properties of classically damped systems). The comparison is carried out through the numerical evaluation of the dynamic response of representative shear-type structures to both stochastic and recorded earthquake inputs. The results obtained using both approaches indicate that a damping system based upon the mass proportional damping component of the Rayleigh viscous damping matrix (referred to as MPD system) is capable of optimizing simultaneously a number of different performance indexes, providing the best “overall” damping performances. The MPD system is characterised by viscous dampers (a) which connect each floor to a fixed point and (b) which are sized proportionally to the corresponding floor mass.

Viscous dampers have widely proved their effectiveness in mitigating the effects of the seismic action upon building structures. In view of the large impact that use of such dissipative devices is already having and would most likely have soon in earthquake engineering applications, this article presents a practical procedure for the seismic design of building structures equipped with viscous dampers, which aims at providing practical tools for an easy identification of the mechanical characteristics of the manufactured viscous dampers which allow to achieve target levels of performances. Selected numerical applications are developed with reference to simple, but yet relevant, cases.

In this paper the authors investigate the dynamic performances of multi-degree-of-freedom shear-type structures equipped with manufactured viscous dampers. The system of added viscous dampers that leads to a mass proportional damping (MPD) matrix is identified as the one providing the best overall performance in terms of minimum top-storey response variance to a Gaussian band limited white noise input within the class of classically damped systems. A performance index developed by the authors and based upon modal damping ratios confirms that, within the class of Rayleigh damping systems, the MPD limiting case provides the largest damping effect. For a 6-d.o.f. system, a comparison with results available in literature also shows that the MPD system provides better performance than optimised (as suggested by other research works) non-classical damping schemes. A physical explanation for the optimum damping performance offered by MPD systems is also provided herein, together with clear indications about how to implement MPD systems in real building structures. A check on the applicability of MPD systems to real structures and its effectiveness is also carried out successfully through the development and study of a realistic finite element model of an actual 18-storey building.