Numerical investigation of grooved gusset plate damper for using in cross-braced frames

• Published in: Journal of constructional steel research 2022-09, Vol.196, p.107434, Article 107434
• Main Authors: Almohammad-Albakkar, M., Behnamfar, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical formula; Cross-braced frame; Energy dissipation; Finite element model; Grooved gusset plate damper; Hysteretic behavior
• ISSN: 0143-974X; 1873-5983
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2022.107434

The aim of the present study is to propose an innovative type of gusset plate damper, which can be employed to protect structures against severe earthquakes and improve the seismic behavior of concentrically cross-braced frames. The proposed device comprises of a gusset plate which is grooved such that it yields in time at several places and prevents any plastic action or buckling in the braces. It is called a grooved gusset plate damper (GGPD). The GGPD can be used as an energy dissipater when installed in cross-braced frames as it dissipates input energy through inelastic deformations at its steel strips. To predict the yield and ultimate capacity and elastic stiffness of the GGPD, theoretical derivations are conducted resulting in analytical equations of the system. Afterwards, finite element models of the system are analyzed using ABAQUS and its hysteretic behavior is investigated under cyclic loading. Effects of the length, width and thickness of the strips and arrangement of stiffeners, on the cyclic performance and energy dissipation of the GGPD are studied. It is concluded that the analytical formulas are in very good agreement with the numerical results. Moreover, the hysteretic curves of the system are full and stable and have a similar behavior in tension and compression without pinching. In addition, the proposed system is able to significantly dissipate the seismic energy and tolerate more than 4% story drift. •A slit gusset plate is proposed as a seismic energy dissipation device in a X-braced frame.•The analytical equations of the elastic stiffness and ultimate strength are derived.•A comprehensive parametrical study is carried out on the yielding steel damper.•Results of the developed analytical equations are in excellent agreement with those of the nonlinear finite element analysis.•Hysteresis curves of the damper are well-shaped with no pinching and stiffness/strength degradation up to large drifts.