Seismic Response Control of Similar Adjacent Structures Connected by Maxwell Dampers

Abstract

The seismic response analysis of dynamically similar adjacent structures connected by Maxwell dampers is studied. The structural response for four different types of earthquake ground motions is investigated. The formulation of the equations of motion for two adjacent multi-degrees-of-freedom structures connected with Maxwell dampers is presented. The dampers effectiveness is evaluated in terms of hte reduction of structural responses namely displacement, acceleration and base shear force of the connected adjacent structures. A parametric study is carried out to obtain the optimum damper parameter for minimum response of the connected structures. Results show that Maxwell damper is quite effective for seismic response control of either structure by selecting appropriate parameter of damper. Further, lesser damper at appropriate locations can significantly reduce the earthquake response of the connected system.