VSL Dampers for buildings
VSL’s Visco-Elastic damping solutions for buildings provide effective control of vibrations and energy dissipation under dynamic loading. Based on high-damping rubber technology, these systems enhance both the safety and serviceability of structures, from towers and industrial facilities to residential and public buildings.
Why use dampers in buildings?
Dynamic effects from wind, seismic events, or operational vibrations can cause discomfort and accelerate fatigue in structural components. Left unmitigated, they may result in serviceability issues or structural failure. VSL’s damping systems:
- Control vibrations without added stiffness
- Improve comfort and operational continuity
- Enhance seismic resilience via energy dissipation
- Comply with international seismic design codes
Applications
Wall & Column Types
- Integrated in prefabricated panels
- Placed where deformation demand is high
- Optimized for new builds with bracing
Brace Types
- For triangular braced steel/mixed frames
- Transfer shear into damping element
Retrofit Applications
- Easy integration with precise placement tools
- Minimal-impact seismic/vibration upgrades
Special Uses
- Antennas, towers
- Lightweight residential buildings in seismic zones
- Mechanical rooms or equipment frames
Compare systems
| System Type | Base Isolation | Vibration Control with VSL VE Dampers |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Supports the entire structure on isolating bearings to decouple it from ground motion | Dissipates energy at specific structural points through dampers |
| Structural impact | Requires large bearings and foundation systems | No need to modify structural support or base |
| Installation | At the base of the structure | At key deformation zones (braces, walls, joints) |
| Efficiency range | Most effective for soft soils and low-rise buildings | Effective across a wide range of structures and seismic intensities |
| Response to minor quakes | May not activate in moderate earthquakes | Always active – responds proportionally to vibration |
| Wind & occupant vibrations | Not addressed | Highly effective |
| Design flexibility | Requires early-stage integration and large space | Easily integrated in new or existing structures |
| Maintenance | Bearings require monitoring and periodic servicing | Minimal – no moving parts, long-lasting HDR elements |
| Cost and footprint | High cost and space demand | Compact and cost-efficient |
Design and performance
The VSL Visco-Elastic (VE) damper uses high-damping rubber (HDR) to absorb and dissipate energy via shear deformation. Unlike traditional devices, it is simple, robust, and temperature-independent.
- Exceptional durability: ≥60 years, no performance loss
- Non-structural: Active only during vibration
- Fire-compatible, replaceable post-event
- Tested by full-scale and cyclic shear tests
- No wear: no moving parts, fluids, or valves
End-to-end services
VSL provides full-service damping support:
- Feasibility studies and vibration diagnosis
- Custom device design and dynamic modeling
- Manufacturing, delivery, and installation
- Retrofit support for existing assets
- Optional fire protection or integration into braced modules
All VE dampers are installed in locations where the structure is expected to deform most during a dynamic event, maximizing effectiveness with minimal hardware.
Key benefits
- Effective in all vibration modes
- Minimal maintenance
- Lightweight, compact, and easy to install
- Independent of vibration frequency or temperature
- Eco-efficient: Reduces structural mass and foundation loads, lowering carbon footprint
By absorbing energy during transient dynamic loads, VE dampers allow for optimization of structural elements, resulting in lighter and more resilient buildings.
FAQs about dampers for buildings
Any building subject to dynamic loads: towers, hospitals, industrial buildings, residential units in seismic zones.
No. They are shear-only energy dissipators and not part of the gravity load path.
Over 60 years, confirmed by accelerated aging tests.
Yes. They can be protected with fire-rated boards and replaced if necessary post-event.
Absolutely. VSL offers retrofit design and installation services.