SEISMIC RESILIENCE PERFORMANCE OF INNOVATIVE TORSIONAL DAMPER FOR STEEL MOMENT RESISTING CONNECTIONS

This study explores the enhancement of seismic performance in braced steel frames through the integration of a novel Torsional Steel-Tube Damper (TSTD). The primary objectives are to determine the optimal dimensions and configuration of the TSTD within brace-to-beam connections, assess its impact on the global and local seismic behavior of the structural system, and examine its effectiveness in frames featuring variable moment-resisting connections. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is performed using ANSYS 2024 to simulate the response of steel frames with and without TSTDs under lateral and dynamic seismic loading conditions. Key performance metrics such as energy dissipation capacity, load-bearing behavior, stiffness degradation, and residual deformations are evaluated. The simulation results indicate that the incorporation of TSTDs significantly enhances energy dissipation, mitigates joint damage and stress concentration, and promotes more uniform load distribution. Moreover, frames equipped with TSTDs exhibit increased ductility and reduced residual deformations compared to conventional configurations. A comprehensive parametric study yields optimized damper dimensions and provides practical design guidelines for effective TSTD implementation in various braced frame systems. The findings underscore the potential of TSTDs as a cost-effective and efficient solution for enhancing the seismic resilience, structural safety, and durability of steel buildings in seismically active regions.