Experimental investigation on hysteretic behavior of rotational friction dampers with new friction materials

Friction dampers are displacement dependent energy dissipation devices which dissipate earthquake energy through friction mechanism and widely used in improving the seismic behavior of new structures and rehabilitation of existing structures. In this paper, the cyclic behavior of a friction damper with different friction materials is investigated through experimental tests under cyclic loading. The damper is made of steel plates, friction pads, preloaded bolts and hard washers. The paper aims at investigating the hysteretic behavior of three friction materials under cyclic loading to be utilized in friction damper. The tested friction materials are: powder lining, super lining and metal lining. The experimental results are studied according to FEMA-356 acceptance criteria and the most appropriate friction material is selected by comparing all friction materials results.