Numerical and experimental comparative of coupled neighboring buildings

Abstract

In recent years a vibration control technique, called structural coupling, has been studied. This technique consists on linking two neighboring buildings, through a coupling device, with the purpose of reducing dynamic response. It is possible to control both structures response simultaneously, which is precisely the attractiveness of this technique. Given the potential of the structural coupling technique, this work evaluates numerically and experimentally the performance of the structural coupling technique in simple plane frames when subjected to an oscillatory movement in at base caused by a shaking table, designed and built in the Structure Laboratory of University of Brasilia. Initially, the model numerical dynamic responses, without and with coupling, were obtained. Then, experimentally, the plane frames were fixed to the shaking table and subjected to a base movement uncoupled and coupled in order to obtain the acceleration registers and its frequency spectra. Finally, numerical and experimental frequency spectra were compared. The results obtained showed the efficiency of the control method through coupling, which depends mainly on the mechanical properties of adjacent buildings and connecting devices.