Author(s)

Haifan Zhu ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ Key Laboratory of Urban Security and Disaster Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China

Corresponding Author

Haifan Zhu

ABSTRACT

Structural safety is a critical concern under sequential earthquakes. Buckling-restrained braces (BRBs), as an effective damping solution, have been widely adopted in the construction industry. However, under long-duration and high-intensity seismic events, BRBs may undergo ultimate axial failure or fatigue failure. This study investigates the efficacy of magnetorheological dampers (MRDs) for seismic response mitigation. A comparative analysis is conducted between 3-story and 9-story reinforced concrete (RC) frames equipped with BRBs and those equipped with MRDs, under sequential seismic events. The results demonstrate that MRDs can effectively mitigate seismic responses and significantly reduce structural acceleration during frequent earthquakes, thereby enhancing residential comfort. In two consecutive rare earthquakes, MRDs exhibit superior performance and stability in controlling inter-story drift and top-floor residual deformations, alongside excellent energy dissipation capacity.

KEYWORDS

Sequential earthquakes; Seismic performance; Magnetorheological damper; Buckling-restrained brace; Dynamic analysis

CITE THIS PAPER

Haifan Zhu. Comparative seismic analysis of MRD and BRB for structural control under sequential earthquakes. Journal of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning (2026). Vol. 8, No.2, 62-75. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/jceup.2026.080207.

REFERENCES

[1] Zhao B, Taucer F, Rossetto T. Field investigation on the performance of building structures during the 12 May 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. Engineering Structures, 2009, 31(8): 1707-1723.
[2] Liu L, Zhao D S, Zhu Y, et al. Spatiotemporal characteristics of earthquake hazard losses in mainland China during 1993-2017. Journal of Natural Disasters, 2021, 30(03) :14-23.
[3] Hatzigeorgiou G D, Liolios A A. Nonlinear behaviour of RC frames under repeated strong ground motions. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 2010, 30(10): 1010-1025.
[4] Raghunandan M, Liel A B, Luco N. Aftershock collapse vulnerability assessment of reinforced concrete frame structures. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics. 2015.44(3): 419-439.
[5] Hatzivassiliou M, Hatzigeorgiou G D. Seismic sequence effects on three-dimensiona reinforced concrete buildings. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 2015, 72(5): 77-88.
[6] Shu S, Dai K, Li T, et al. Impact of ground motion duration on seismic performance of buckling restrained braced frames. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 2023, 174: 108197.
[7] Amiri G G, Rajabi E. Effects of consecutive earthquakes on increased damage and response of reinforced concrete structures. Computers and Concrete, An International Journal, 2018, 21(1): 55-66.
[8] Wen W, Zhang M, Zhai C, et al. Resilience loss factor for evaluation and design considering the effects of aftershocks. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 2019, 116: 43-49
[9] Hou L Q, Dong S E, Gao Y Y, et al. Comparative analysis of seismic isolation, energy dissipation, and conventional seismicresistance. Earthquake Resistant Engineering and Retrofitting, 2011, 33(02): 50-56.
[10] Almajhali K Y M, He M, Alhaddad W. Enhancing seismic performance of structures: A comprehensive review of hybrid passive energy dissipation devices. Structures, 2024, 69: 107223.
[11] Harvey Jr P S, Kelly K C. A review of rolling-type seismic isolation: Historical development and future directions. Engineering Structures, 2016, 125: 521-531.
[12] ZHU X L, LIN M Q, GAO R, et al. Research Progress in the Application of Seismic Isolation Technology in China. North China Earthqauke Sciences, 2020, 38(4): 86-91.
[13] Yao J T. Concept of structural control. Journal of the Structural Division, 1972, 98: 1567-1574.
[14] Yan W M, Zhou F L, Tan P. Research advances in vibration control of civil engineering structures. World Earthquake Engineering, 1997, (02): 8-20.
[15] Ou J P. Structural vibration control – active, semi-active, and intelligent control. Beijing: Science Press, 2003.
[16] Li A Q. Vibration control of engineering structures. Beijing: China Machine Press, 2007.
[17] Zhao J, Zhang J, Song J, et al. Sliding gusset connections for improved seismic performance of BRB-RC frame: Damage-control design and subassemblage tests. Engineering Structures, 2023, 282: 115828.
[18] Cao X Y, Feng D C, Wu G. Pushover-based probabilistic seismic capacity assessment of RCFs retrofitted with PBSPC BRBF sub-structures. Engineering Structures, 2021, 234: 111919.
[19] Fujimoto M, Wada A, Saeki E, Watanabe A, Hitomi Y. A study on the unbonded brace encased in buckling-restraining concrete and steel tubes. Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering (Trans AIJ) 1988;34B:249–58 [in Japanese)].
[20] Fujimoto M, Wada A, Saeki E, Watanabe A, Hitomi Y. A study on brace enclosed in buckling-restrained mortar and steel Tubes (Part 1). Japan, October: Annual Research Meeting Architectural Institute of Japan, Kanto Area; 1988 (in Japanese).
[21] Fujimoto M, Wada A, Saeki E, Watanabe A, Hitomi Y. A study on brace enclosed in buckling-restrained mortar and steel tubes (Part 2). Japan, October: Annual Research Meeting Architectural Institute of Japan, Kanto Area; 1988 (in Japanese).
[22] Kim J, Choi H. Behavior and design of structures with buckling-restrained braces. Engineering Structures, 2004, 26(6): 693-706.
[23] Guerrero H, Ji T, Escobar J A, et al. Effects of buckling-restrained braces on reinforced concrete precast models subjected to shaking table excitation. Engineering Structures, 2018, 163: 294-310.
[24] Xu B, Chen A J, Chen Z P, et al. Shock absorption effect analysis of buckling restrained brace applied to reinforced concrete frame. Earthquake Resistant Engineering and Retrofitting, 2016, 38(03): 118-123.
[25] Tremblay R, Lacerte M, Christopoulos C. Seismic response of multistory buildings with self-centering energy dissipative steel braces. Journal of Structural Engineering, 2008, 134(1): 108-120.
[26] Erochko J, Christopoulos C, Tremblay R, et al. Residual drift response of SMRFs and BRB frames in steel buildings designed according to ASCE 7-05. Journal of Structural Engineering, 2011, 137(5): 589-599.

Sponsors, Associates, and Links

---

• Journal of Sustainable Development and Green Buildings
  
  
• Landscape and Urban Horticulture
  
  
• Bridge and Structural Engineering
  
  
• Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
  
  
• Journal of Municipal Engineering
  
  
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  
  
• Indoor Air Quality and Climate
  
  
• Computer Aided Architecture Design