Experimental and theoretical study on two types of shape memory alloy devices

This study proposes two types of shape memory alloy (SMA)‐based devices, the tension‐SMA device (TSD) and the scissor‐SMA device (SSD), for the increase of stiffness. Both devices employ superelastic NiTi wires with a diameter of 1.2 mm. Performance tests to study pseudoelastic behavior of NiTi wires find that NiTi wire's pseudoelastic property is insensitive to loading frequency within the meaningful frequency range of most structures in civil engineering. The detailed design of TSD and SSD using NiTi wire is then presented accordingly. Shaking table tests of a scaled 5‐story steel frame incorporated with TSDs and SSDs, respectively, in the first story are carried out. The experimental results indicate that both SMA devices can effectively reduce building seismic response. SSDs achieve greater response reduction than TSDs due to their displacement magnification configuration. The seismic response of the building model with and without SMA devices is numerically simulated and the simulation results demonstrate that they are in good agreement with the experimental results. Finally, it is identified that by using the wavelet transform method the structures incorporated with SMA devices exhibit nonlinear behavior and the time‐dependent characteristics of natural frequency during earthquake excitation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental and numerical study on hysteretic performance of SMA spring-friction bearings

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study to investigate the hysteretic performance of a new type of isolator consisting of shape memory alloy springs and friction bearing called an SMA spring-friction bearing (SFB). The SFB is a sliding-type isolator with SMA devices used for the seismic protection of engineering structures. The principle of operation of the isolation bearing is introduced. In order to explore the possibility of applying SMA elements in passive seismic control devices, large diameter superelastic tension/compression NiTi SMA helical springs used in the SFB isolator were developed. Mechanical experiments of the SMA helical spring were carried out to understand its superelastic characteristics. After that, a series of quasi-static tests on a single SFB isolator prototype were conducted to measure its force-displacement relationships for different loading conditions and study the corresponding variation law of its mechanical performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the SFB exhibits full hysteretic curves, excellent energy dissipation capacity, and moderate recentering ability. Finally, a theoretical model capable of emulating the hysteretic behavior of the SMA-based isolator was then established and implemented in MATLAB software. The comparison of the numerical results with the experimental results shows the efficacy of the proposed model for simulating the response of the SFB.     

Retrofit of non-seismically designed beam-column joints by post-tensioned superelastic shape memory alloy bars

A series of tests on three full-scale substandard exterior beam-column joints were performed to investigate the efficiency of the proposed retrofit configuration, which is the use of externally applied post-tensioned shape memory alloy (SMA) bars. A major group of structural deficiencies resulting from lack of shear reinforcement in the joint, use of low strength concrete and plain round bars were taken into account in the construction of test specimens. While the reference specimen represents the as-built subassembly, the other two were retrofitted by the post-tensioned SMA and steel bars to compare the contribution of superelastic and conventional material on the response. The specimens were exposed to quasi-static cyclic loading up to 8% drift ratio to simulate an intensive level of seismic hazard. The reference specimen underwent a brittle shear failure as excessive cracks mostly concentrated in the joint panel while there was almost no damage in the rest of the RC components. A joint failure with enhanced response quantities was observed in the specimen retrofitted by post-tensioned steel bars. The specimen incorporating the retrofit solution via post-tensioned SMA bars was capable of performing an adequate performance and promoting minimization of the damage in the joint panel, which results in more ductile behavior. The hysteretic response of the SMA retrofitted specimen was validated with a refined numerical model in ATENA Science software. Experimentally observed response was also verified by an analytical model based on fracture mechanics considering the nonlinear behavior of plain concrete under tension. Due to inherent uncertainties in material constitutive laws, the analytical model was evolved to a stochastic level to propose a more advanced model for estimating the capacity of the reference and retrofitted joint. It is found that the experimental results were within the prominent range of Probability Density Functions (i.e. mean ± 1 SD) of the estimated joint tensile stress especially for the shear damaged specimens.     

SMA复合摩擦阻尼器性能的试验研究

利用形状记忆合金(SMA)的超弹性效应及高阻尼性能,结合传统Pall摩擦型阻尼器的特点,提出了一种SMA复合摩擦阻尼器。在建立阻尼器力学分析模型的基础上,对SMA复合摩擦阻尼器的性能进行了试验研究,分析了位移幅值、加载频率等对阻尼器的等效刚度、单位循环耗能和等效阻尼比的影响,并与理论分析结果进行了对比。研究表明,SMA复合摩擦阻尼器在加卸载循环下会形成比较稳定的滞回曲线,表明这种阻尼器具有良好的耗能能力。     

形状记忆合金超弹性阻尼性能的试验研究

本文分析了形状记忆合金（SMA）超弹性阻尼减振的机理，通过试验研究了温度、加载频率、循环次数及预变形等因素对SMA超弹性阻尼的影响。研究结果表明，利用SMA的超弹性阻尼特性可以研制出性能良好的耗能减振装置，在工程结构振动控制方面具有比较好的应用前景。     

Cyclic behaviour of interior beam–column joints reinforced with plain bars

The seismic damages commonly observed on beam–column joints of old reinforced concrete structures, built with plain bars and without proper detailing, justifies the need to further study the behaviour of this type of structures. The response of these structures when loaded cyclically, as occurs during the earthquakes, is partially controlled by the bond properties between the reinforcing bars and the surrounding concrete. This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign of unidirectional cyclic tests carried out on six full‐scale beam–column joints built with plain bars. These joint specimens are representative of existing reinforced concrete structures, that is, built without adequate reinforcement detailing for seismic demands. For comparison, an additional specimen is built with deformed bars and tested. The seven specimens are designed and detailed to allow the investigation of the influence of bond properties, lapping of the longitudinal bars in columns and beams, bent‐up bars in the beams, slab contribution and concrete strength. The lateral force–drift relationships, global dissipated energy evolution, contribution of the joint, beams and columns to the global dissipated energy, ductility, equivalent damping, final damage observed, homogenized reinforced concrete damage index, displacement components, curvature evolutions and Eurocode requirements are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic behavior of self-centering reinforced concrete wall enabled by superelastic shape memory alloy bars

Reinforced concrete (RC) wall is a common type of structural component used in high-rise buildings to resist lateral loads induced by earthquakes. RC walls are typically designed and detailed to dissipate energy through significant inelastic responses to meet expected seismic performance under moderate-to-strong earthquakes. However, costly repair or even demolition caused by excessive residual deformation is usually inevitable. Given this deficiency, this study investigates the feasibility of utilizing superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) bars to achieve self-centering (SC) RC walls. Under this condition, the residual deformation of SC–RC walls is reduced by superelastic SMA with large recoverable strain and remarkable fatigue properties. The mechanical properties of superelastic nickel–titanium bars and SC–RC wall design are described. A numerical SC–RC wall model is developed and validated by comparing the test results. Parametric studies of SC–RC wall systems are then conducted to investigate the effects of axial compressive load ratio, bottom slit length, and lower plateau stress factor of SMA. Results show that the proposed SC–RC walls have excellent SC ability and moderate energy dissipation capacity. The damage regions and levels of the SC–RC wall systems are also discussed.     

Cyclic behavior of precast segmental concrete bridge columns with high performance or conventional steel reinforcing bars as energy dissipation bars

The cyclic behavior of precast segmental concrete bridge columns with high performance (HP) steel reinforcing bars and that with conventional steel reinforcing bars as energy dissipation (ED) bars were investigated. The HP steel reinforcing bars are characterized by higher strength, greater ductility, and superior corrosion resistance compared with the conventional steel reinforcing bars. Three large‐scale columns were tested. One was designed with the HP ED bars and two with the conventional ED bars. The HP ED bars were fully bonded to the concrete. The conventional ED bars were fully bonded to the concrete for one column, whereas unbonded for a length to delay fracture of the bars and to increase energy dissipation for the other column. Test results showed that the column with the HP ED bars had greater drift capacity, higher lateral strength, and larger energy dissipation than that with fully bonded conventional ED bars. The column with unbonded conventional ED bars achieved the same drift capacity and similar energy dissipation capacity as that with the HP ED bars. All the three columns showed good self‐centering capability with residual drifts not greater than 0.4% drift. An analytical model referred to as joint bar‐slip rotation method for pushover analysis of segmental columns with ED bars is proposed. The model calculates joint rotation from the slip of the ED bars from two sides of the joint. Good agreement was found between analytical predictions and the envelope responses of the three columns. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

工程结构的形状记忆合金超弹性阻尼减振技术研究进展

介绍了形状记忆合金(SMA)超弹性阻尼减振的机理，综述了国内外形状记忆合金(SMA)减振装置用于工程结构振动控制的最新进展。大量的研究结果表明形状记忆合金阻尼减振技术在土木工程结构振动控制方面具有比较好的应用前景。     

循环荷载作用下SMA-PSRCW结构力学性能影响因素分析

为了研究形状记忆合金(SMA)连接件对半刚接钢框架内填钢筋混凝土墙结构(PSRCW结构)受力性能的影响情况,在已有试验研究的基础上,建立了SMA-PSRCW结构的计算模型,对结构在循环荷载作用下的整体受力性能进行了数值模拟研究,考虑了配筋率、混凝土强度、内填墙厚度以及连接件布置位置和数量等因素对结构的滞回性能、骨架曲线...     

Optimal design of superelastic‐friction base isolators for seismic protection of highway bridges against near‐field earthquakes

The seismic response of a multi‐span continuous bridge isolated with novel superelastic‐friction base isolator (S‐FBI) is investigated under near‐field earthquakes. The isolation system consists of a flat steel‐Teflon sliding bearing and a superelastic NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) device. The key design parameters of an S‐FBI system are the natural period of the isolated bridge, the yielding displacement of the SMA device, and the friction coefficient of the sliding bearings. The goal of this study is to obtain optimal values for each design parameter by performing sensitivity analysis of a bridge isolated by an S‐FBI system. First, a three‐span continuous bridge is modeled as two‐degrees‐of‐freedom with the S‐FBI system. A neuro‐fuzzy model is used to capture rate‐ and temperature‐dependent nonlinear behavior of the SMA device. Then, a set of nonlinear time history analyses of the isolated bridge is performed. The variation of the peak response quantities of interest is shown as a function of design parameters of the S‐FBI system and the optimal values for each parameter are evaluated. Next, in order to assess the effectiveness of the S‐FBI system, the response of the bridge isolated by the S‐FBI system is compared with the response of the non‐isolated bridge and the same bridge isolated by pure‐friction (P‐F) sliding isolation system. Finally, the influence of temperature variations on the performance of the S‐FBI system is evaluated. The results show that the optimum design of a bridge with the S‐FBI system can be achieved by a judicious specification of design parameters. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hysteretic behavior and strength capacity of shallowly embedded steel column bases with SFRCC slab

A series of shallowly embedded steel column bases consisting of an exposed column base and a floor slab is tested under horizontal cyclic loading to very large deformation. The effects of floor slabs on strength and ductility are examined using concrete and Steel fiber‐reinforced cementitous composites (SFRCC) for the floor slab. The elastic stiffness, maximum strength, and dissipated energy of the column bases when they include SFRCC increase by 40, 70, and 70% over those of corresponding column bases with concrete floor slab. Better bonding behavior is notable for SFRCC, and the maximum strength and dissipated energy further increase by 15–30% and 70–90%, respectively, owing to the careful arrangement of reinforcing bars. Numerical models are developed to enhance the understanding the behavior of shallowly embedded column bases. Procedures for estimating the elastic stiffness and maximum strength of shallowly embedded column bases with conventional concrete are calibrated for their applicability to those with SFRCC slab. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effectiveness of superelastic bars for seismic rehabilitation of clay‐unit masonry walls

This paper presents the results on shaking table tests of half‐scale brick walls performed to investigate the effectiveness of newly developed Cu–Al–Mn superelastic alloy (SEA) bars in retrofitting of historical masonry constructions. Problems associated with conventional steel reinforcing bars lie in degradation of stiffness and strength, or pinching phenomena, under cyclic loading, and presence of large residual cracks in structures during and after intense earthquakes. This paper attempts to resolve the problems by applying newly developed Cu–Al–Mn SEA bars, characterized by large recovery strain, low material cost, and high machinability, as partial replacements for steel bars. Sets of unreinforced, steel reinforced, and SEA‐reinforced specimens are subjected to scaled earthquake excitations in out‐of‐plane direction. Whereas steel‐reinforced specimens showed large residual inclinations, SEA‐reinforced specimens resulted in stable rocking response with slight residual inclinations. Corresponding nonlinear finite element (FE) models are developed to simulate the experimental observations. The FE models are further used to examine the sensitivity of the response with respect to the variations in experimental conditions. Both the experimental and numerical results demonstrate the superiority of Cu–Al–Mn SEA bars to conventional steel reinforcing bars in avoiding pinching phenomena. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

一种新型SMA阻尼器的试验研究

在对NiTi形状记忆合金（SMA）的力学性能试验研究的基础上,设计了一种新型SMA阻尼器,根据形状记忆合金丝的超弹性分段线性恢复力模型建立了阻尼器的理论模型,并通过阻尼器的性能试验研究验证了理论模型的正确性,试验结果表明这种阻尼器具有较好的耗能能力。     

Experimental behavior of transfer story connections for high‐rise SRC structures under seismic loading

Results from an investigation aimed at assessing seismic behavior of transfer story connections for high‐rise building consisting of steel‐reinforced concrete (SRC) frame and reinforced concrete (RC) core tube are presented. Two types of transfer story connections were experimentally evaluated for adequate strength, ductility and energy dissipation. For each type of connection, two large‐scale subassembly tests were carried out under monotonic and cyclic lateral displacement, respectively. Detailed observations and behavior responses were obtained to contrast the differences between monotonic and cyclic performance of the connections. Test results showed that the SRC column failed before connection collapse and that loading types have little effect on the strength but greatly affect the failure modes and the ductility of the connections. All specimens exhibited good properties for earthquake resistance since they all kept a stable inelastic behavior up to the interstory drift demand suggested by the AISC Seismic Provisions. Based on test observations, support stiffeners with appropriate width‐to‐thickness ratio and mechanical connectors connecting bars with the steel plate are recommended for design purposes in order to achieve more ductile and reliable seismic behavior of transfer story connections. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

SMA-MR复合型阻尼器

利用形状记忆合金超弹性、形状记忆特性和MR液的材料特性，提出了SMA-MR复合阻尼器，建立了阻尼器的理论模型。通过输入正弦波得到小震、大震时相应的滞回曲线，并对一单层框架进行输入El Centro地震波下的减震效果分析，比较了SMA-MR阻尼器、仅有SMA和仅有MR作用下的减震效果。结果表明，所设计的SMA-MR阻尼器具有卓越的阻尼性能，对大震、小震的控制实现了自适应的智能性。     

Shake table test and numerical study of self‐centering steel frame with SMA braces

Given their excellent self‐centering and energy‐dissipating capabilities, superelastic shape memory alloys (SMAs) become an emerging structural material in the field of earthquake engineering. This paper presents experimental and numerical studies on a scaled self‐centering steel frame with novel SMA braces (SMAB), which utilize superelastic Ni–Ti wires. The braces were fabricated and cyclically characterized before their installation in a two‐story one‐bay steel frame. The equivalent viscous damping ratio and ‘post‐yield’ stiffness ratio of the tested braces are around 5% and 0.15, respectively. In particular, the frame was seismically designed with nearly all pin connections, including the pinned column bases. To assess the seismic performance of the SMA braced frame (SMABF), a series of shake table tests were conducted, in which the SMABF was subjected to ground motions with incremental seismic intensity levels. No repair or replacement of structural members was performed during the entire series of tests. Experimental results showed that the SMAB could withstand several strong earthquakes with very limited capacity degradation. Thanks to the self‐centering capacity and pin‐connection design, the steel frame was subjected to limited damage and zero residual deformation even if the peak interstory drift ratio exceeded 2%. Good agreement was found between the experimental results and numerical simulations. The current study validates the prospect of using SMAB as a standalone seismic‐resisting component in critical building structures when high seismic performance or earthquake resilience is desirable under moderate and strong earthquakes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于形状记忆合金-悬吊质量摆减振系统的结构地震响应分析

针对风电塔架结构内部有限的空间,设计一种新型减振系统。基于悬吊质量摆减振原理,利用形状记忆合金（SMA）的超弹性特性,将SMA丝与弹簧叠加成SMA阻尼器后并与悬吊质量摆复合,设计了一种形状记忆合金-悬吊质量摆阻尼器（SMA-SMPD）系统。研究了细部构造、减振原理和参数影响,并利用Matlab软件对单自由度体系在不同地震作用下的动力响应进行了数值模拟。结果表明:所设计的刚度和质量可调的SMA-SMPD是有效的。与结构受控频率相调时,将结构振动能量集中转换到SMA-SMPD上,可耗散结构振动能量,减震率可达30%~40%,且整体性能稳定,对结构动力响应控制效果显著。     

Smart restorable sliding base isolation system

A modern base isolation system is proposed for the aseismic control of structures. It is composed of steel-Teflon Flat Sliding Bearings, to support the gravity loads while allowing large horizontal displacements, and simply connected Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) truss elements, to provide the necessary horizontal stiffness as well as a proper restoring capability. The system is referred to as Smart Restorable Sliding Base Isolation System (SRSBIS). Depending on the arrangement of the auxiliary SMA elements, SRSBIS can exhibit a geometric nonlinearity in addition to the nonlinearity of materials. In this paper, the dynamic characteristics of SRSBIS are first examined in terms of the force-displacement behavior, effective period of vibration, and equivalent damping. After that, the earthquake response of buildings equipped with SRSBIS, designed in accordance with a direct displacement-based approach, is evaluated through extensive nonlinear time-history analyses. The effects of the design parameters on the system behavior are then investigated within a comprehensive parametric study and the seismic performances of SRSBIS are finally compared to those of similar practical isolation systems. Based on the results, it is shown that SRSBIS can be suitably used for the seismic protection of structures.     

新型SMA耗能器及结构地震反应控制试验研究

利用NiTi合金丝的超弹性性能，本文提出了两种新型SMA被动耗能器，分别称之为拉伸型SMA耗能器和剪刀型SMA耗能器。通过对耗能器的构造设计，安装在耗能器中的NiTi丝始终处于受拉状态，避免了合金丝在结构振动过程中受压屈曲。文中阐述了拉伸型SMA耗能器和剪刀型SMA耗能器的构造及工作原理，并将其安装在模型结构上进行了地震模拟振动台试验，验证了新型SMA耗能器的减振效果。