Work

A Multifunctional MR Damper with Dual Damping and Locking Mechanisms for Seismic Control of Multi-Span Continuous Bridges

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To overcome the limitations of conventional dampers and enhance seismic resilience in multi-span continuous bridges, this study synthesized a magnetorheological shear-stiffening gel (MRSSG) that integrates shear-stiffening (SS) materials with magnetorheological (MR) components, enabling passive rate-sensitive adaptation and magnetic-field-driven directionality. Leveraging this material, we developed a multifunctional MR damper combining high-frequency load-sharing locking and low-frequency magnetically controlled damping mechanisms. Numerical simulations under diverse seismic waves (El Centro, Koyna, and Wenchuan) demonstrated the damper’s effectiveness: it redistributed internal forces from fixed to movable piers, reducing fixed-pier shear forces by up to 62.3% (e.g., from 258,714 kN to 97,419 kN under Wenchuan waves), and under semi-active control via a semi-step on–off strategy, it suppressed displacement responses by >95% at movable-pier deck measurement points. This work establishes a robust solution for improving seismic performance in large-scale civil infrastructure.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app15179745

Authors: Fei Guo, Yang Zhang, Xiaoguo Lin, Chengbin Du

Institutions: Anhui Polytechnic University, Ningbo University of Technology, Hohai University

Language: English

Topic: Vibration Control and Rheological Fluids

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896