Numerical Simulation-Based Study on Influence of Different Connection Configurations of Viscous Dampers on Seismic Performance

To investigate the influence of different connection configurations of viscous dampers on seismic mitigation performance, this study conducts a numerical simulation analysis of a 10-story inpatient building in Bazhou People’s Hospital, comparing the energy dissipation efficacy of viscous dampers under three connection types: diagonal bracing, chevron bracing, and wall-mounted connections. The results demonstrate that both chevron and wall-mounted configurations exhibit superior seismic mitigation performance compared to diagonal bracing. Specifically, chevron bracing is more suitable for mid- to high-rise structures, while wall-mounted connections achieve marginally better performance in low-rise buildings. However, the latter’s efficacy diminishes in mid- to high-rise structures due to the influence of wall self-weight. This study provides practical insights for optimizing the arrangement and application of viscous dampers in engineering projects.