Seismic Behaviour of Simple RC Frame Braced with Viscous Damper under Cyclic Loading- An Experimental Study

This study investigates the impact of viscous dampers and their placement on the evaluation of monolithic reinforced concrete frames under cyclic loading using sensors. The response of a single Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame to seismic activity depends on its flexibility, and viscous dampers have shown the best performance in terms of improving seismic performance and endurance. In this research, a single RC frame of grade M30 was subjected to cyclic loading using a hydraulic compressor, and its seismic performance, including energy dissipation, floor displacement, and crack patterns, was assessed both without and with viscous dampers filled with highly compressible silicone liquid was placed at 100mm diagonally at each end. The failure pattern was examined under different cyclic loading using LVDT sensors and the strain gauge assessed the crack width, and it was found that the dampers placed at a 100mm distance exhibited the highest damping capacity of 5.83 KN. The results showed that the RC frame's displacement was significantly reduced by up to 19.89%, and the development of crack was controlled at the rate of 27.45 % with viscous dampers compared to the RC frame without a damper. Additionally, the incorporation of viscous damper in RC frames was demonstrated to provide a more significant increase in damping force and reduction in displacement during major seismic events.