MODELLING FLOORS WITH A CONSTRAINED DAMPING LAYER

Abstract

This thesis describes the use of Finite Element Analysis in predicting the dynamic behaviour of floors with a constrained damping layer. Three-dimensional finite element models were developed for the constrained damping layer using the finite element package, ABAQUS. The hyperelastic and viscoelastic behaviour were considered to represent the material properties of the rubber layer. Due to the complexity of the materials and the contact between the different layers that represent the full model, three different types of simplified finite element models are used to model the system proposed. The device dissipates energy through amplified strains in the viscoelastic rubber. The models were analysed under dynamic loadings to understand the dynamic behaviour. A parametric study was carried out on the constrained damping layer to investigate the effect of different parameters such as concrete base, rubber layer and protection layer on the overall dynamic performance of this system.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2012
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Tianjian Ji (Supervisor)