Development of a Nonlinear Viscous Damper: Experimental Studies and Mechanical Characteristics Determination

Viscous dampers are parts of energy dissipation devices which have received considerable attention in modern seismic design approaches. One of the most important challenges of them is fluid seals which needs maintenance. Considering technologies in Iran and idea of removing seals and so the need of maintenance، a dashpot using some parts of expansion joints was designed. The manufactured dashpot is a practical one، which has appropriate stroke، 65 mm، and efficient capacity، 224 kN، and also displays nonlinear damping behavior. Constitutive law characteristics of the dashpot using Kelvin Model is determined، and also Equivalent Linear Damping is calculated.