A Simple Methodology for the Seismic Passive Control of Irregular 3D Frames Using Friction Dampers

This chapter presents a simple performance-based design methodology of an analysis/redesign type for sizing and allocating friction dampers within existing 3D irregular framed structures in order to control seismic performance. The methodology allows the determination of brace stiffness of all added damping devices, under a constant predetermined slip displacement, using analysis tools only. The methodology allows the design of an irregular framed structure of any type and is nondependent of the type of irregularity. Using this methodology, fully stressed design solutions are obtained in an example of a linear 3D setback frame undergoing an ensemble of ground motions.