PSI - Issue 78

Annarita Palmiotta et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 489–496

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Fig. 10. Deformed shapes at cycle 10 of (a) first model; (b) second model

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Fig. 11. Deformed shapes at cycle n. 5 for (a) the third and (b) the fourth model, and at cycle n. 10 for (c) the third and (d) the fourth model

5. Conclusions This study presents the main findings from experimental and numerical investigations of a USDD (U-Shaped Dissipative Device) that uses two pairs of USFPs (U-Shaped Flexural Plates) as its damping mechanism. This device is suited for installation in structures like bridges and buildings, especially when integrated with elastomeric isolators in seismic isolation systems. The study shows numerical investigations using a validated Finite Element Method (FEM) model. The main objective of the work is to show how the end constraints of the USFP affect the response of the device in the absence of connection plates. The results indicate that fully restrained USFP ends lead to a dissipative capacity that closely matches experimental observations, but this accuracy is limited to low imposed displacements. This suggests that optimizing the design based on the expected displacement could significantly reduce the amount of steel needed, thereby lowering the overall cost of the USDD. This is particularly relevant given the considerable size of the connecting plates.