On the seismic behaviour of viscously coupled shear walls

In the last couple of decades the use of energy dissipation devices for earthquake mitigation has gained much attention. Most research in that field, however, focused on frame buildings. This chapter is based on (Lavan, Earthq Eng Struct Dyn 41(12):1673–1692) and discusses the possibilities of using energy dissipation devices, or more specifically viscous dampers, in wall structures to result in viscously coupled shear walls (VCSWs). In turn, insight to their behaviour, as well as simplified approximate tools for their analysis and initial design are presented. While very simple to use, those rely on a strong theoretical background.