A direct energy-based design method for damping control reinforced concrete structure: methodology and application

Energy-based seismic design, which integrates both the accumulated hysteretic energy and plastic deformation of the structure, provides a more comprehensive evaluation of structural seismic performance compared to other performance-based seismic design methods. In damping control structures, the distribution of hysteretic energy is clearly defined, with the expected positions for energy dissipation and damage concentrated in the dampers. This facilitates the application of an energy-based design method in such structures. This research presented a novel direct energy-based design (DEBD) method for damping control reinforced concrete (RC) structures, following the principle that the energy dissipation capacity of the structural members and dampers exceeds the hysteretic energy dissipation demand. With this principle, an energy-based damage index, which is directly correlated with structural damage state, was introduced. Subsequently, a detailed energy-based design process was provided. To achieve the desired seismic performance, the required energy dissipation capacity of dampers was determined using a pre-select damage index, and thereby, identifying the design parameters of the dampers. Finally, to validate the feasibility of the proposed design method, an 8-story RC frame with friction dampers was chosen as an example. The energy dissipation capacity and damage state of the designed structure were evaluated through nonlinear time-history analyses, and the results demonstrate the successfully achievement of the predefined seismic performance.