Investigation of the performance of semi-rigid moment steel frames system with passive steel curved dampers

The use of displacement-dependent steel curved dampers as fuse or interchangeable element in the beam-to-column connection region is one of the newest methods for improving the seismic performance of semi-rigid moment steel frames (SRMF). In the present study, performance of low-yield strength steel curved dampers in SRMF has been investigated. These dampers are inactive and install in the beam-to-column connection region. Variable parameters of this study involve the damper width (75, 100 and 125 mm), damper thickness (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mm) and the curve damper steel type (SN400YB and LY160). Evaluation of SRMF models were performed using finite element method by ABAQUS software. For validation, a SRMF with steel curve dampers under cyclic loading was modeled that had been experimentally tested and reported in previous experimental research and a good agreement was observed. The results show that the use of low-yield strength steel in curved steel dampers, depending on the damper thickness, can lead to an increase in the ductility parameter and total energy dissipated compared to the steel with higher yield stress. Also, the steel curved damper around the beam-to-column connection zone has caused the plastic hinge to occur in the farther region of the connection.