Experimental seismic study of adjacent buildings with fluid dampers

A comprehensive experimental investigation on the dynamic characteristic and seismic response of adjacent buildings linked by fluid dampers is carried out using a 4 m×4 m seismic simulator. Two building models are built as one five-story steel frame 5 m high and the other six-story steel frame 6 m high. The fluid dampers connecting the two building models are of linear force-velocity property. Two types of ground motions are applied to the adjacent buildings. The control performance of fluid dampers is first assessed through the comparison of the dynamic characteristic and seismic response of the adjacent buildings linked by fluid dampers with those linked by rigid rods or without any connections. The effects of the number, location, and linking pattern of fluid dampers and the effects of ground motion on control performance are then investigated. The first natural frequency ratio of the two building models is finally changed and its effect on control performance is evaluated. The experimental results show that the installation of fluid dampers can significantly reduce the seismic responses of both buildings. The number, location, and linking pattern of fluid damper, the frequency ratio of adjacent buildings, and the type of ground motion should be considered properly to achieve good control performance.