This study investigates the influence of viscous damper parameters on the damping efficiency of frame shear wall structures. Taking a specific frame shear wall structure as the background, a three-dimensional finite element model is established using a nonlinear dynamic time–history analysis method. The damping ratio, reduction in vertex displacement, reduction in base shear, and inter-story drift utilization rate are selected as the damping performance indicators. Firstly, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to study the influence of different viscous damper parameters on these indicators. Then, the relationship models between the viscous damper parameters and the indicators are fitted using the response surface method, and the fitting effect is evaluated through an F-test and determination coefficient R². Finally, an objective function based on key damping performance indicators is established to solve for the optimal parameters. The results show that the traditional sensitivity analysis method is unable to comprehensively consider the combined effects of different damping efficiency indicators. The response surface method has high fitting accuracy and good predictability and can serve as an optimization model. Considering the stiffness of supporting components matched with the viscous damper parameters, the feasibility of the optimal damping parameters is demonstrated from an engineering application perspective. A simple and easy-to-operate damping design flowchart is proposed, providing important guidance and reference for designers in frame shear wall structure damping design in the future.

This study investigates the energy dissipation efficiency of structures equipped with nonlinear viscous dampers under seismic excitation. It aims to address the lack of a clear quantitative relationship between the energy dissipation ratio (the ratio of energy dissipated by dampers to the total seismic input energy), ground motion intensity, and damper parameters by systematically examining the underlying energy dissipation mechanism and parameter influence laws. First, an analytical model for a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system controlled by the nonlinear viscous damper is established based on random vibration theory. An explicit analytical formula for the energy dissipation ratio is then derived by incorporating the statistical properties of the velocity response, which reveals a power-law relationship with the peak ground acceleration (PGA), damping coefficient (C), and damping exponent (α). Subsequently, this analytical model is extended to multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) structures using the mode decomposition method, leading to an engineering-oriented approximate formula for the energy dissipation ratio under the assumption of first-mode dominance, with its applicability conditions specified. Finally, a six-story reinforced concrete frame is employed as a numerical case study to evaluate the accuracy and engineering applicability of the proposed model through nonlinear time history and sensitivity analyses under various damper parameter combinations. The results indicate that PGA, C, and α all have a significant impact on the energy dissipation ratio and structural response, with C exerting a more direct influence on the overall energy dissipation level. The energy dissipation ratio is demonstrated to be a key performance indicator for damper parameter selection and seismic performance evaluation, providing a theoretical basis and practical reference for the damping design of structures incorporating nonlinear viscous dampers.