Seismic response of asymmetric structures with variable dampers

The seismic response of linearly elastic single-storey, one-way asymmetric structure installed with semi-active variable dampers is investigated under earthquake ground motions. The response is evaluated by considering the two-step viscous damping algorithm by numerically solving the governing equations of motion using state space method. The effects of lateral time period and uncoupled torsional to lateral frequency ratio are investigated on lateral, torsional and edge displacements as well as accelerations. The parametric study indicated that the semi-active variable dampers are quite effective in reducing various responses. It is further observed that the effects of torsional coupling and effectiveness of control system strongly depends on lateral time period and uncoupled torsional to lateral frequency ratio.