Comparisons between experimental and numerical results of a U-Shaped dissipative device.

As known, seismic isolation is one of the most efficient techniques for protecting buildings from earthquake action reducing conspicuously the structural damage. By limiting the forces transmitted to the superstructure, this technique implies significant displacements in correspondence of the isolation level where seismic devices are installed that may result incompatible with the superstructure. A solution for reducing the isolation system displacements is represented by dissipating devices coupled with the other seismic devices. In this study U-shaped devices made by steel plates are analysed as dissipating devices, whose properties are guaranteed by means of steel flexural hysteretic behavior. In particular, the device investigated is easy to be installed and replaced, offering a stable behaviour under lateral actions. Numerical results of a FEM model are illustrated and compared with the experimental ones obtained in an experimental campaign.