Experimental investigations of solid state steel energy absorbers for earthquake resistant structures

This thesis suggests the use of curved plates and bars of hot rolled mild steel as energy dissipating devices for the design of earthquake-resistant structures. The proposed devices would be used in parallel with isolating systems in buildings or other structures. They are designed to deflect elastically under minor loads such as wind and to deform plastically when subjected to major earthquake loadings. The devices have a large energy absorbing capacity at a high number of cycles; they are economical and, once installed, can be easily inspected and replaced. An engineering method is presented for predicting the number of cycles to failure of the devices. The practical application and feasibility of a base-isolated steel structure with discrete yield rings is demonstrated in a model test on a shaking table. A design method for the yield rings is proposed.Applied Science, Faculty ofCivil Engineering, Department ofGraduat