Viscoelastic Coupling Dampers

Tall building designers are increasingly facing challenges related to wind and earthquake-induced vibrations, especially as buildings are built taller and more slender. Frequent windstorms can cause lateral accelerations, which can result in occupant discomfort. Rarer, more severe windstorms and service level earthquakes (SLE) produce large loads in the structure that have to be resisted elastically by the structural members. A primary cause of these vibrations is the low levels of inherent damping (the ability of structures to absorb vibrational energy and slow down dynamic vibrations) in taller structures. Furthermore, severe earthquakes can cause distributed damage throughout the entire structure in conventionally designed buildings, putting in question their post-earthquake safety and use. …