Modeling of viscoelastic dissipative bracing systems

This chapter deals with the theory of viscoelasticity and the discrete models such as, for example, the Kelvin and Maxwell models. The aim of this chapter is to assess the dynamic behavior of viscoelastic dissipative bracing systems taking into account the presence of the brace. In fact, the viscoelastic damper is modeled as the Kelvin model, whose behavior is dependent, in itself, on frequency; the viscoelastic damper-brace component can be studied through the Poynting-Thomson model which presents even more dependence on the frequency. Similarly, the viscous (linear or non-linear) damper-brace component can be studied through the Maxwell model, characterized by a frequency dependent dynamic response. In both cases, because of the frequency dependence, in the dynamic field, dynamic ‘‘reduced’’ magnitudes correspond to the static magnitudes of the viscoelastic dissipative bracing system, in other terms, between the static and dynamic behavior, there is a reduction in the effectiveness of the viscoelastic dissipative bracing system.