ABSTRACT
This paper summarizes a series of experimental investigations of a yielding shear panel device (YSPD) developed as a passive energy device for seismic protection of frame structures. Belonging to the family of metallic dampers, the device is to be incorporated into K-braced moment-resisting frames. It consists of a short length square hollow section (SHS) with a diaphragm plate welded inside it. Under moderate earthquake loading, the device deforms plastically under applied shear forces, while the frame members remain essentially elastic. Subassemblies of the frame-to-device connection were designed and tested. The tests incorporate various SHS dimensions and diaphragm plate aspect ratios. Both monotonic and cyclic loadings were employed in these tests. Based on the experimental results, the device with small d/t ratios showed stable hysteretic behavior with significant energy dissipation capacity. Strain hardening was observed in the post-yield region, which further increased the device’s energy absorption capacity. Thin diaphragm plates suffered from shear buckling, strength degradation and pinched hysteresis was observed. Accumulation of out-of-plane deformation after repeated inelastic load cycles led to strength degradation and subsequent failure of the device. Welds on the perimeter of the diaphragm plates did not show damage. The proposed device is easy to install, inexpensive to manufacture and represents a potential passive damper for earthquake hazard mitigation in frame structures.
