Capacity spectrum method based on inelastic spectra for high viscous damped buildings

In the present study a capacity spectrum method based on constant ductility inelastic spectra to estimate the seismic performance of structures equipped with elastic viscous dampers is presented. As the definition of the structures' effective damping, due to the damping system, is necessary, an alternative method to specify the effective damping ratio ξeff is presented. Moreover, damping reduction factors (B) are introduced to generate high damping elastic demand spectra. Given the elastic spectra for damping ratio ξeff, the performance point of the structure can be obtained by relationships that relate the strength demand reduction factor (R) with the ductility demand factor (μ). As such expressions that link the above quantities, known as R – μ – T relationships, for different damping levels are presented. Moreover, corrective factors (Bv) for the pseudo-velocity spectra calculation are reported for different levels of damping and ductility in order to calculate with accuracy the values of the viscous dampers velocities. Finally, to evaluate the results of the proposed method, the whole process is applied to a four-storey reinforced concrete frame structure and to a six-storey steel structure, both equipped with elastic viscous dampers.