Design criteria and numerical investigation of novel radially perforated plate dampers to enhance the seismic response of steel MRFs

This study introduces a novel seismic energy dissipation device, the steel Radially Perforated Plate Damper (RPPD), designed to act as a ductile fuse and enhance the seismic resilience of steel Moment Resisting Frames (MRFs). The RPPDs are designed to promote yielding in the radial strips, thus enabling the primary structural components to remain elastic during seismic events, and facilitating post-event recoverability. Analytical models have been developed to predict the elastic stiffness and yield resistance of RPPDs. The accuracy of the proposed equations has been verified through refined nonlinear finite element simulations, demonstrating satisfactory agreement with discrepancies of about 10%. The performed analyses showed that the RPPDs exhibit a stable hysteretic behavior without strength degradation or pinching effects, even at large drift angles of up to 0.07 radians. Parametric studies highlighted the significant influence of the strip width on the energy dissipation capacity and overall performance. The thickness and length parameters have less effect on cyclic performance compared to the previously considered parameter. Furthermore, the parametric study highlights the influence of key parameters that govern the critical balance between ductility and stiffness, a factor that must be carefully considered in design applications. The study demonstrates that the geometry of the dampers can be tailored to achieve specific performance characteristics.