Experimental study of rotational friction damper for seismic response control: Friction material comparison and configuration optimization

Rotational friction dampers (RFDs) can be incorporated into structures flexibly as energy-dissipation devices for seismic response control. However, the basic primary form of RFD has three main challenges and objectives in enhancing its performance: (1) avoiding strength fluctuation and jittering, namely, improving the stability of the performance, (2) enhancing the strength, and (3) relieving the basic assumption that the clamping pressure is uniformly distributed on the friction pads and ensuring the accuracy of the theoretical equation. To address these issues, this study proposes four potential approaches: (1) selecting a friction material with a stable performance, (2) increasing the friction coefficient, (3) increasing the clamping force, and (4) optimizing key configurations. Based on these concepts, two sets of experimental studies, including 27 friction pad material comparison tests and 17 lug plate and clamping bolt configuration optimization tests, were conducted. According to the test results, the fiber-reinforced resin-based composite (FRRC) material was found to be better than H62 brass and 7075 aluminum alloy in realizing a high friction coefficient and stable performance, as well as achieving uniformly distributed pressure. The four-bolt lug plate and six-bolt lug plate with stiffening ribs were found to be effective in realizing a high clamping force and, thus, a high RFD strength, as well as in achieving a uniformly distributed pressure. In contrast, the single-bolt lug plate could not realize a high clamping force because of the tightening torque limit. A six-bolt lug plate can cause pressure concentration and edge damage to the friction pad.