Effects of geometric characteristics of U-shaped flexural plates on their cyclic performance

Abstract

In this paper, 39 U-shaped flexural plate (UFP) dampers have been experimentally tested under cyclic loading taking into account the most the effective parameters such as the width and back to back distance of UFPs. The leg length of UFPs was considered equal to or greater than their back to back distance. First, the relationship between effective parameters of UFPs with their energy dissipation and strength capacity has been investigated to enable their selection for different design purposes. Then, the force–displacement behavior of the samples is comprehensively studied to present a suitable spring model for their numerical analysis in different structures. UFPs with the back to back distance equal their leg length showed larger ductility and smaller force and dissipated energy capacity. Moreover, all UFP specimens had a complete hysteresis loop, and they were reliable if their displacement capacity was defined correctly. In addition, increasing the width of UFP specimens caused an increase in the amount of energy dissipation and shear force but the back to back distance had a more effective role rather than the width. The analytical equations were in agreement with the experimental results for UFPs with the ratio of the back to back distance to the leg length less than 0.85. Finally, the backbone curves of UFPs presented in this paper can be used in their optimal selection for different applications. © 2023 Institution of Structural Engineers