Question

What are seismic dampers and why are they important?

Answer 1

Hint: A device that absorbs vibration is called a damper. Seismic dampers are used to dissipate the energy of the seismic waves that move through a building structure. Dampers are very effective in absorbing energy. Dampers will work by usually converting the kinetic energy into heat energy which then dissipates into the hydraulic fluid.

Complete answer:
A mechanical device that works by dissipating the kinetic energy of seismic waves that penetrate a building structure is called a Seismic damper. This is important because these dampers allow the building to move elastically and dissipate the energy of the earthquake. This produces considerable savings as structural elements that can be optimized for cost savings.
These dampers are usually used in the place of structural elements like diagonal calipers for controlling all the seismic damage in the structure. This in turn partly absorbs the seismic energy, therefore, reducing the motion of buildings.

Additional Information:
There are several types of dampers of which frictional dampers tend to be one of the most efficient methods of dissipating seismic energy. This operates by dissipating kinetic energy through friction. The other kind of dampers include viscous dampers, viscoelastic dampers, tuned mass dampers, yielding dampers.

Note:
Viscous dampers are usually used in high-rise buildings in seismic dampers. Viscoelastic dampers work by dissipating the mechanical energy of the building by converting it into heat. A friction damper works by using several plates sliding against each other in opposite directions. The tuned mass damper is a passive control device that is usually mounted on a specific structure. Yielding dampers are manufactured from yielded metal or alloy material.