Compare the Seismic Performance of Post-tensioned Concrete Frames to Traditional Moment-resisting Frames with and without Friction Dampers

Abstract

Conventional reinforced concrete frameworks frequently suffer considerable damage and large residual deformations (drifts) following major seismic occurrences due to the yielding of steel reinforcement and the cracking of concrete. Conversely, post-tensioned (PT) precast concrete frames often employing press technology provide enhanced seismic resilience via a self-centring mechanism, enabling the structure to revert to its initial position following an earthquake. Nonetheless, PT frames by themselves might possess a lower energy dissipation ability when compared to ductile RC frames. This study discusses the effectiveness of a tall structure fitted with various kinds of link dampers to manage seismic vibrations. Owing to their secure, efficient, and economical design, dampers have become increasingly popular in recent years for managing vibrations in structures. They are often used in structural vibration management to mitigate seismic hazards and, by incorporating passive energy dissipation devices, can improve the dynamic performance of both new towers and existing tall buildings. The structure\'s safety and functionality are enhanced, and the control systems prevent the building from failing in an earthquake, significantly minimizing damage. This paper will examine tall PT + RCC buildings (G+25) incorporating various locations of link dampers for seismic vibration mitigation and investigate the impact of these dampers using ETABS software.

Introduction

This study compares the seismic performance of Post-Tensioned (PT) Concrete Frames and conventional Reinforced Concrete (RC) Moment Resisting Frames (MRFs), with and without friction dampers, to improve earthquake resistance in high-rise buildings. Traditional RCC structures rely on ductility and controlled structural damage to dissipate seismic energy, often resulting in permanent deformations and costly repairs. In contrast, PT frames use high-strength unbonded tendons that allow a rocking mechanism and provide self-centering capability, enabling the structure to return to its original position after an earthquake with minimal damage.

Conventional RC frames absorb seismic energy through cracking and yielding of reinforcement, while PT frames reduce structural damage but generally require additional damping devices, such as friction dampers, to improve energy dissipation. PT systems also offer construction advantages, including reduced slab thickness, longer spans, fewer columns, lower structural weight, and improved sustainability.

The study evaluates various earthquake-resistant systems, including lateral load-resisting systems, base isolation, and energy dissipation devices. A literature review highlights the effectiveness of post-tensioning, high-strength materials, and dampers in enhancing seismic resilience and reducing residual deformation.

The research objectives include comparing PT and conventional frames, assessing the effectiveness of friction dampers, and evaluating parameters such as displacement, story drift, shear forces, bending moments, and deflections under seismic loading. A G+25 high-rise building located in Seismic Zone IV was modeled and analyzed using ETABS software. Five structural models were developed: one without friction dampers and four with dampers installed at different locations.

Analysis was performed using the Response Spectrum Method considering seismic and wind loads as per Indian standards. Results showed that structures equipped with friction dampers exhibited lower displacement, reduced story drift, and smaller story shear forces compared to structures without dampers. The findings indicate that combining post-tensioned frames with friction dampers significantly enhances seismic performance, improves structural resilience, and minimizes earthquake-induced damage in high-rise buildings.

Conclusion

1) After analysing of different models we can say seismic performance improves by using friction damper. 2) As per the results story drift, displacement and story forces are effective if we provides X type friction damper to the frames. 3) As per results shown by software, the effective position of friction damper is at corner of building. 4) The cross position of friction damper is effective because it workable to carry lateral forces. 5) The friction dampers provide at corner are more effective than other positions carried out in model.

References

[1] Aalami, B. O. and Jurgens J. D. (2003), “Guidelines for the Design of Post-Tensioned Floors.” [2] Torok, I. et al. (2019), “Post-tensioned Flat Slabs with Unbonded Tendons for Public Buildings? Science Direct Procedia Manufacturing, ELSEVIER, 32 (2019) 102–109”. [3] Reddy, R. K. and Pradeep A. R. (2017). “Comparative Study of Post Tensioned and RCC Flat Slab in MultiStorey Commercial Building. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, IRJET, 04(06), 238-242”. [4] Sandeep G. S., Arun Kumar Y. M, Nehal Habib (2024)“Effectiveness of Friction Damper Configurations on the Behaviour of Bundled Tube High-Rise Building System for Lateral Loads” [5] Mr. Sachin Madgaonkar (“Comparative Study on Seismic Behavior of High–Rise Steel Building with and Without Friction Damper and Fluid Viscous Damper (IJRASET)” [6] Anu Rani N P, Sreerench Raghavu (2022) “Seismic Performance Evaluation of RC Building Connected with and without X Braced Friction Damper using Etabs” [7] Aparna bhoyar, Bhupesh nandurkar (2019) Seismic evaluation of RC building with friction damper. [8] IS: 875(Part-3)-1987. Code of practice for design loads (other than earthquake) for buildings and structures, wind loads. Bureau of Indian Standard, New Delhi. [9] IS: 1893(Part-I)-2002. Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures. Bureau of Indian Standard, New Delhi. [10] IS: 16700-2023 Criteria for structural safety of Tall concrete buildings Bureau of Indian Standard, New Delhi.

Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Yash Tole, Manoj Deosarkar, Vishwajeet Kadlag. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.