Parametric study of single-degree-of-freedom systems with energy dissipating devices built on soft soil sites

Energy dissipating devices have been used in recent years to control structural response and reduce seismic damage. A study aimed at determining the possible benefits and providing some general design recommendation for structures with energy dissipating devices built on soft soil sites is presented. Results from a comprehensive parametric study of single-degree-of-freedom systems with metallic yielding devices are summarized. Response history analyses are conducted by considering a wide range of stiffness and strength parameters in the structure and energy dissipation devices. Special attention is devoted to determining behavior limit states, focusing on ductility demands on the frame and energy dissipation devices. It is shown that ductility demands are strongly influenced by the period of the frame relative to the predominant period of the ground motion as well as by the lateral strength of the frame and energy dissipation devices. Results presented in this study provide guidance for the preliminary selection of the mechanical and geometrical properties of structures with metallic yielding devices located at soft soil sites. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.