Proposal for an automatic damping and reverse system (AD&RS) for reinforced concrete buildings
Earthquake and Structures, vol.31, no.2, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 31 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.12989/eas.2026.31.2.03
- Journal Name: Earthquake and Structures
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex
- Keywords: friction, friction damper, performance-based design, R.C frame, recentering damper
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Friction-type dampers exhibit a nearly constant friction-force response throughout the displacement history under loading conditions. Although this behavior improves the overall energy dissipation capacity of structures subjected to seismic excitation by providing additional damping, supplementary mechanisms are generally required to mitigate the adverse effects of residual displacements. In this study, an Automatic Damping and Reverse System (AD&RS) device capable of significantly reducing residual displacements was developed and experimentally investigated. In addition, the force-displacement behavior of the AD&RS device was compared with that of a reference device without a spring mechanism, and the fundamental differences between the two systems were comprehensively evaluated. Furthermore, the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frames with and without the AD&RS device (conventional system) was investigated in accordance with the Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBEC-2018). The experimental results demonstrated that, at a displacement level of 15 mm and under a torque value of 50 Nm, the reference device generated a reaction force of 8.93 kN, whereas the AD&RS device produced a significantly higher reaction force of 58.32 kN, corresponding to an increase of 553.08%. Similarly, under a torque value of 100 Nm, the increase ratio was determined to be 546.62%. Moreover, nonlinear structural performance analyses performed in accordance with TBEC-2018 revealed that 12.5% of the columns and 50% of the beams in the conventional RC frame failed to satisfy the prescribed performance criteria. In contrast, when the AD&RS device was integrated into the structural system, all columns and beams remained within the allowable performance limits. Overall, the findings clearly demonstrate that the AD&RS device substantially enhances the reaction-force capacity compared with the reference device. Furthermore, the proposed system can be considered an effective and promising solution for improving the seismic performance of reinforced concrete frame systems.