University Institute of Technology (UIT), Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV), Bhopal
The increasing prevalence of tall buildings in urban areas, especially in seismically active regions, necessitates robust structural systems capable of withstanding lateral forces during earthquakes. Among various structural solutions, shear walls and friction dampers have emerged as effective components in enhancing the seismic performance of tall structures. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the roles, advantages, limitations, and recent advancements in the use of shear walls and friction dampers for seismic mitigation. Shear walls significantly improve lateral stiffness and reduce inter-story drifts, whereas friction dampers provide efficient energy dissipation through sliding mechanisms. While shear walls contribute to structural rigidity, friction dampers excel in reducing vibration-induced damage without altering the building’s stiffness significantly. The review also explores hybrid systems that combine both technologies to optimize seismic response. The paper concludes with insights into future trends, including smart damping systems and AI-based optimization. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers in designing resilient tall buildings against seismic hazards.
Structures located in seismically active regions face significant risks during earthquakes. Reinforced Concrete (RCC) buildings, despite their strength and widespread use, remain susceptible to damage under seismic forces. Over the years, several strategies have emerged to enhance the seismic performance of RCC structures, among which passive energy dissipation systems, such as friction dampers, have shown promising results. Friction dampers are mechanical devices that dissipate seismic energy through the resistance generated by friction between sliding components. These devices convert kinetic energy from ground motion into heat, reducing vibrations and minimizing structural damage. This review investigates the efficiency of friction dampers and shear walls in improving the seismic behaviour of RCC buildings. A comparative analysis is conducted on a G+14 RCC structure with two configurations: a regular rectangular shape and a Plus (+) shaped design. The study also explores the role of shear walls placed at optimal corner locations, as identified in prior research. Using ETABS software and in compliance with IS 1893:2016 Part 1, the seismic performance of each structural model will be assessed under Zone V earthquake conditions. Key parameters analysed include story displacement, story drift, story shear, overturning moment, and base shear, helping to determine the most effective method for enhancing seismic resilience.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Yong Yang et al (2024), In order to effectively dissipate energy during low to moderate earthquake intensities, this paper presents a novel dual-stage energy-dissipation and self-centering friction damper (DESFD). It works in tandem with a wedge surface friction damper (WSFD) to minimize structural residual displacement during severe events. DESFD's mechanism and hysteresis performance were examined both theoretically and empirically, and the concept and specific configuration were suggested. Additionally, influencing parameters were examined numerically. According to the results, the DESFD has a stable energy dissipation and self-centering capability with little damage to the FSFD shims. This indicates that FSFD and WSFD function well together to ensure stable energy dissipation and self-centering capabilities. The energy dissipation capacities of the single-stage and dual-stage self-centering dampers are equal at displacements between 0 and 10 mm, according to force-displacement curves. At initial loading, the dual-stage self-centering damper has a 37% higher equivalent viscous damping coefficient than the single-stage self-centering damper. A verified numerical model investigates the distribution of damper stress and parameter sensitivity, emphasizing the important effects of slope angle, preload, and disc spring stiffness on energy-dissipation and self-centering performance. The weight increases by 45% when the slope angle (tanθ) rises from 0.3 to 0.4.
Xu Ouyang et al (2024), Based on complex nonlinear modes (CNMs), the nonlinear dynamics of a dual-rotor system with active elastic support/dry friction dampers (ESDFDs) are examined in this work. The governing equation for the system is constructed using the finite element technique (FEM) in conjunction with a full-3D friction model. The system finite element model is also downscaled using the Craig-Bampton technique. The dry friction damping performance of active ESDFD is measured using the nonlinear modal damping ratio of the target mode, which is based on the reduced order model (ROM). Analysis is done on how the nonlinear modal damping ratio and modal frequency are affected by the active ESDFD location, normal force, and tangential contact stiffness. Additionally, the critical speed intervals of the active ESDFD/dual-rotor system are identified, and the softening properties of the active ESDFD are disclosed. Moreover, the steady-state response of the system under unbalanced excitation is computed using the harmonic balance–alternating frequency/time domain (HB–AFT) approach. The connections between nonlinear modes and steady-state unbalanced responses are used to validate the precision and efficacy of nonlinear modal analysis. On the other hand, the imbalanced response amplitude determines the vibration mitigation effects of active ESDFD. Furthermore, the ideal normal force and adjustable zone are established for efficient vibration control in the goal mode. A control technique is created to turn on/off the optimal normal force based on the controllable region. The results show tremendous promise for engineering applications as the suggested control method allows the active ESDFD to drastically reduce the response amplitude of the dual-rotor system across different excitation levels.
Linyi Yang et al (2024), A new friction damper that uses a displacement amplification mechanism based on the lever principle is suggested as a solution to this problem. It has a high capacity for dissipating energy while requiring less displacement. First, using MATLAB and the secondary development function of ABAQUS, the parts and operation of an amplified friction damper (AFD) are explained, the theoretical equation of its restoring force is constructed, and its rationality is confirmed. ABAQUS is used to create the high-rise steel frame structure model, and YJK (finite element modeling software) is used to do a modal analysis of the structural model to confirm its reasonableness. Dynamic time analysis is performed for structures without control, with additional ordinary friction dampers (FD), and with additional lever amplified friction dampers (AFD-2 and AFD-3, i.e., AFD with an amplification of 2 and 3, respectively) in order to compare the dynamic response of uncontrolled original structures and damped structures. Significant decreases in base shear and inter-story displacement angles in rare earthquakes are shown by the analysis results: 24.0%, 39.0%, and 54.0% for the FD, AFD-2, and AFD-3 models, respectively. The effect of additional AFD on the seismic performance of the structure is then assessed in terms of failure probability through a vulnerability study that use the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) method. AFD-2 and AFD-3 models show failure probability reductions of roughly 16.6% and 29.7%, respectively, as compared to FDs.
Linjie Huang et al (2024), The study suggested using partial self-centering prestressed concrete (SCPC) frames as an innovative way to increase the energy dissipation capability of conventional SCPC frames. In contrast to conventional SCPC frames, these frames have a high energy dissipation ratio and lower prestressing forces. The hysteretic behavior, dynamic reactivity, and damage mitigation capabilities of partial SCPC frames were thoroughly examined utilizing the Open Sees platform. The findings showed that partial SCPC frames have a hysteretic energy-dissipating mechanism in the form of a smooth flag that efficiently lowers the shear force differentials between floors, resulting in less displacement and floor accelerations. Furthermore, partial SCPC frames outperformed standard SCPC frames in terms of repairability. The energy dissipation ratio (β) has a reliable design range of 1.0 to 1.6, according to the study. In terms of earthquake response, self-centering ability, and energy dissipation capacity, partial SCPC frames performed quite well overall. Interestingly, partial SCPC frames outperformed standard SCPC frames in reducing damage to both structural and nonstructural elements during large earthquakes.
Jingwei Gao et al (2023), A shear-type response-amplified friction damper (RAFD), which used a lever mechanism to enhance the sliding distance of friction pairs and amplify the shear displacement, was proposed in order to boost the efficiency of friction dampers. Twelve RAFD specimens were subjected to cyclic loading tests in order to assess the impact of bolt pretension, loading procedures, friction materials, and machining procedures on the specimens mechanical performance. The findings demonstrated that the RAFD specimens with brass and NAO friction pads displayed plump hysteresis loops, and that the friction dampers equivalent viscous damping ratio, effective stiffness, bearing capacity, and energy dissipation all satisfied FEMA 356 stability requirements. The plateau around zero resistances of the hysteresis loops was lowered by 75% to 90% by reinforcing the hole edges and decreasing the space between pins and holes. Additionally, a design technique for the RAFD specimen was developed in conjunction with the levers rotational analysis. A theoretical hysteresis model for the RAFD was developed based on the response amplification factor R, and important mechanical indices including bearing capacity and equivalent friction coefficient were calculated. These results were in good agreement with the experimental findings.
L. M. Moreschi et al (2023), The study looked into the best way to design friction and yielding metallic dampers for controlling seismic reaction and safeguarding building structures. Current design processes are frequently intricate and less-than-ideal because to the nonlinear behavior and numerous design factors of these devices. The study offered a way for figuring out the best design parameters for dampers placed at different parts of a building while taking particular performance goals into account. The yield level, device stiffness, and brace stiffness were taken into account for yielding metallic dampers, whereas the slip load level and brace stiffness were pertinent factors for friction devices. The genetic algorithm was utilized to achieve the globally optimal solution, and a step-by-step time history approach was utilized due to the extremely nonlinear behavior of the devices and structures.
Gunjal, Kapil P and Sanghai, Sanket S (2019), To make building structures earthquake resistant, various methods adopted amongst which application of fluid viscous dampers (FVD) is a most recent one. But after more studies on this method it was found that there is need to optimize its use to make it cost effective. This paper gives some idea about to optimize the use of FVD in building with shear wall. In this study 12 storey RCC frame building models, with bare frame and with shear wall prepared in ETABS & was studied against four-time history (TH) records of ground motions, by applying FVD at various positions. The maximum displacements, storey shear, base shear and storey drifts of the various models are compared to find out optimal location in between shear walls. This comparative study observes that to reduce seismic response of the building FVD are most effective and comparison of the various models gives the most suitable dampers location in between shear walls of the building.
Yael Daniel and Oren Lavan (2015), The study looked on controlling the seismic response of irregular structures using multiple tuned mass dampers (MTMDs). An analysis/redesign (A/R) scheme for MTMD design inside a performance-based design (PBD) framework was described in the authors earlier research. In order to increase computational and economic efficiency, this article improved the A/R technique by adding formal optimality requirements. By selectively adding near-optimal quantities of mass at different areas and adjusting the MTMDs to dampen several frequencies of the structure, the improved A/R technique was able to successfully target a desired performance level. This was accomplished using just the analysis tools, proving the efficacy of the suggested strategy. By offering a more effective and efficient technique for controlling seismic response, this research advances MTMD design for irregular structures.
Letícia Fleck Fadel Miguel et al (2014), The study looked into how to control structural reaction to earthquakes by optimizing the resilient design of friction dampers. A stochastic method was used, modeling some structural parameters as random variables in recognition of the uncertainties in these parameters. The optimization produced a set of Pareto-optimal solutions by attempting to reduce the maximum displacement mean and variance. The multi-objective optimization issue was solved using the NSGA-II genetic algorithm. A case study analysis was conducted on a six-story shear building. The results showed that, with just three dampers, the suggested strategy was effective in lowering the variance of the maximum displacement by about 99% and the mean maximum displacement by around 70%.
Masoud Mirtaheri et al (2011), Researchers looked into cylindrical friction dampers (CFDs), a novel kind of friction damper for seismic applications. CFDs generate friction without the use of high-strength fasteners, in contrast to conventional friction dampers. Rather, they are made up of an outer cylinder and an inner shaft that are fitted together precisely. The shaft can move inside the cylinder under friction by adding an axial load, which efficiently dissipates energy. Benefits of this architecture include lower building costs, easier computations, and maybe increased dependability. The study analyzed the CFD's hysteretic behavior, which represents its energy dissipation capacity, using both experiments and numerical simulations. Significant energy absorption was indicated by the data, which showed stable hysteretic loops. This implies that the performance of structures subjected to earthquake loads may be enhanced using CFDs. Furthermore, a strong correlation between the numerical and experimental results was noted, confirming the accuracy of the selected simulation techniques.
CONCLUSION
The reviewed literature collectively underscores the growing importance and effectiveness of friction dampers and energy dissipation devices in enhancing seismic resilience of structures. Various innovative designs have been introduced to optimize energy dissipation, self-centering capacity, and overall structural performance under seismic loads. The dual-stage energy-dissipation and self-centering friction damper (DESFD) proposed by Yong Yang et al. (2024) demonstrated enhanced damping characteristics and minimal residual displacement, confirming the value of combining wedge surface and frictional systems. Similarly, Xu Ouyang et al. (2024) explored the nonlinear dynamics of rotor systems with active elastic support friction dampers, revealing optimal force control strategies that effectively reduce vibration amplitudes. Jingwei Gao and Linyi Yang's research introduced amplified friction dampers (RAFD, AFD), which use lever mechanisms to extend frictional travel and achieve superior energy dissipation. Their work highlights the significant reductions in base shear and inter-story drift using amplified configurations. The importance of optimal damper placement and configuration was echoed by L. M. Moreschi and P. Dupont through advanced algorithms for damper design based on specific structural needs and performance goals. Furthermore, researchers like Letícia Miguel and Masoud Mirtaheri explored optimization and innovation through cylindrical and stochastic damper designs, confirming improved performance and economic feasibility. Additionally, studies on partial self-centering prestressed concrete frames and multi-tuned mass dampers (MTMDs) show alternative yet complementary paths to achieve superior seismic control in both regular and irregular structures. Overall, the literature provides strong theoretical, experimental, and computational evidence supporting the integration of friction dampers and energy dissipation systems in modern seismic design. Continued advancements in damper technology, optimization algorithms, and structural modelling will enable safer, more resilient buildings capable of withstanding even high-intensity earthquakes.
REFERENCE
Gaurav Shreevash*, Dr. S. S. Kushwah, Seismic Analysis of Tall Structures Using Shear Walls and Friction Dampers: A Review, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (6), 322-326. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15615036
10.5281/zenodo.15615036
