Send Orders for Reprints to reprints@benthamscience.ae 154 The Open Construction and Building Technology Journal, 2018, 12, (Suppl-1, M9) 154-169 1874-8368/18 2018 Bentham Open The Open Construction and Building Technology Journal Content list available at: www.benthamopen.com/TOBCTJ/ DOI: 10.2174/1874836801812010154 RESEARCH ARTICLE Investigation on Friction Features of Dissipative Lap Shea Connections by Means of Experimental and Numerical Tests Mariana Zimbru 1 , Mario D’Aniello 1 , Attilio De Martino 1 , Massimo Latour 2,* , Gianvittorio Rizzano 2 and Vincenzo Piluso 2 1 Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy 2 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy Received: October 01, 2017 Revised: November 01, 2017 Accepted: January 10, 2018 Abstract: Background: Beam-to-column joints equipped with friction dampers are a viable solution to improve the dissipative capacity of moment Resisting Frames without any damage after severe seismic events. Recently, novel systems have been developed within the RFCS FREEDAM research project. Objective: The objective of the work is to provide a rational selection based on engineering judgment, of possible materials to be used in friction dampers. Methods: Both experimental analysis and Finite Element (FE) simulations have been carried out to assess the friction coefficients of several interfaces evaluating also their ability to withstand cyclic loading histories. Results: The experimental campaign showed that both hard and soft metals can be used in combination with stainless steel obtaining satisfactory performance under cyclic loads. In addition, at high slip velocities, large temperatures are developed within the specimen. Modelling this effect is crucial as it causes a reduction in the slip force capacity. This is due to the transverse dilatation that initially increases the pressure, while bolt tightening reduces due to elongation of the shank. Conclusion: The experimental results, together with other similar data selected from technical literature, have been employed to validate FE models able to simulate the behaviour of lap shear friction connections, showing the influence of different modelling approaches over the simulated data. Subsequently, the validated model has been used to perform a set of simulations devoted to highlight the key parameters affecting the response of the lap shears and the possible strategies to improve the performance of the friction dampers. Keywords: Combined axial and bending, Square hollow sections, Overstrength, Rotation capacity, Experimental, FEM. 1. INTRODUCTION The work herein presented is part of the activities of a wider research project dealing with the application of slip- critical connections in seismic areas. The aim of such a project is the definition of structural layouts able to overcome * Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132-Fisciano (SA), Italy; Tel: +39089964097; E-mail: mlatour@unisa.it