Dynamic response of energy dissipation devices based on bistable components

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the development and implementation of energy dissipation devices for seismic protection. These devices play a crucial role in enhancing the seismic performance of structural systems by mitigating the damaging effects of seismic excitation. This investigation presents a comprehensive numerical study on the dynamic response of energy dissipation devices based on bistable components. The aim of this study is to investigate to which extent the performance of the structural systems can be improved by installing energy dissipation devices that are able to switch between two stable equilibrium states under dynamic loads. This switch between the two stable positions occurs at very large velocities and this can increase the amount of energy dissipated by viscous damping. This would reduce the amount of energy that the building must dissipate through plastic deformations, and thus, the damage of the main structure. This eventually will extend the nominal life and improve the overall resilience of the structure. First, a numerical model of the energy dissipation device with bistable elements is developed with OpenSees and the interface program STKO, that allowed performing advanced non-linear dynamic simulations. By changing a series of parameters (stiffness ratios, geometric properties and material characteristics, the so-called system/design parameters), various parametric simulations were performed. The expected goal is to demonstrate the efficiency of this bistable device in dissipating seismic energy, leading to a reduction in vibration amplitudes and peak stress levels in the structure under examination. Initially, the bistable device was studied, and once the parameters that will make the latter work better have been found, they are fixed and the device is duplicated and mirrored, resulting in a tristable device. Then it is inserted into the frame portal as a diagonal element. In conclusion, the investigation aims to demonstrate that energy dissipation devices, based on bistable components, can improve their seismic response by providing controlled energy absorption and dissipation during earthquake events. These devices are not only suitable for new constructions, but they also represent a valid solution for retrofitting existing structures, by increasing their seismic resilience and safety. Future investigations will lead to an improvement of currant models, enabling the realization of more efficient devices that further enhance the resilience and nominal life of structures in seismic zones.