forces in motion

MAURER Hydraulic Dampers can complement seismic devices by isolators to achieve an even better system behavior as regards less forces and displacements for seismic load cases as well as the operational load case. MAURER Hydraulic Dampers dissipate energy by making use of the viscous behavior of liquids; they differ from commonly used linear viscous dampers by a reaction force at fast movements that is almost independent of velocity. This ensures optimal damping and avoids exceeded design limits. In case of an earthquake, an intelligent fluid flow system allows for relative movements and keeps the response force at a constant level.

Key characteristics of MAURER Hydraulic Dampers:

• No leaking effects due to the triple-seal-guide system avoiding wearing or fatigue.
• Protection of device and structure by effective force limiter function with a special valve system.
• Less displacements and forces within the system with damping indices exponents of 0.04 to 1.0
• Immediate lock-up after min. 1-3 mm displacement for service forces resulting from high rigidity due to low compressibility of the hydraulic oil.
• Optimum performance in any climate zone. Functional characteristics virtually independent of the temperature within -40°C to +40°C.
• Optimized design with CE-marking which is absolutely completely maintenance-free.
• No long term leaking in its resting state as the MHD is not pre-stressed and is not under any significant pressure.
• MAURER can provide semi-active dampers especially adapted to the needs of stay cables and tuned mass dampers.

MAURER Semi-active Dampers are equipped with a magneto-rheological fluid, the viscosity of which can be controlled via an electronically modifiable magnetic field. Thus, the damping behavior can be continuously changed in accordance with individually determined algorithms with shortest reaction times and lowest energy consumption. In this way, deformations and bearing forces can be optimized.

Plastic deformation of steel is one of the most effective mechanisms for energy dissipation, both from an economical and a technical point of view. In the 1970s, the idea was born to use steel-hysteresis dampers in structures to dissipate large parts of the seismic energy. Dissipators made of steel were designed and produced in many variants. Their strong points: high reliability, functionality independent of temperature and applied speed, high aging resistance, no maintenance required, and limited costs. Yet their severe disadvantage is their limited ability to take large displacements under consideration, like it is required in structures, particularly bridge structures that are built in regions with high seismic activity. MAURER responded to this challenge by developing and experimentally testing two types of steel-hysteresis dampers. The energy dissipation is achieved by subjecting the hysteresis elements to two different applied movements, axial movement and torsion.

The MANTIS® is a highly effective and durable long-stroke hysteretic damper for seismic protection of small to mid-size multi-span bridges. The device is a bilinear hysteretic damper made of none ageing and none wearing components allowing resilient and durable performance. Due to its optimized shape and high energy dissipation capacity a perfectly symmetric force-displacement response under tension/compression loads is achieved.

• Excellent displacement reduction due to high efficiency and performance reliability,
• i.e. large energy dissipation capability
• Long service life of 100 years or more without any maintenance
• After shock functionality provided since 2-4 MCE events can be accommodated without damage or failure
• Effective & smooth perfectly symmetric seismic performance under compression and tension loading
• Simple bilinear model suitable for easy analysis
• Easy visual inspection and function check after earthquake events
• CE-marking and certification available upon request
• Modular serial or parallel arrangement of devices possible to achieve the required energy dissipation

The SHARK® Damper is an innovative energy dissipation device capable of providing absolute structural safety and avoiding potential earthquake induced damages. The device is made of steel and, thanks to its innovative patented design, represents a simple but extremely efficient energy absorber. The SHARK® damper operates as a highly effective bilinear hysteretic device. The energy dissipation is produced by a series of hysteretic lamellas oriented on the four faces of the hollow section of the dissipative core. The damper is designed for severe ultimate limit state (ULS) earthquakes and offers a reliable and stable response.

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• No regular maintenance required and high reliability due to simplicity of utilizing only one material
• Service life similar to building structural system
• Stable response to 3-4 MCE earthquake events without any failure
• Redundant safety level thanks to the parallel arrangement of the hysteretic lamellas
• Simple bilinear model suitable for analysis
• Compact size
• Easy visual inspection and replacement if necessary after fire or other unforeseen events
• High fatigue strength against wind and other service loads
• Design according to the European Standard EN15129 or other Standards on request
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