Development of Novel Self-Centering Timber Beam-Column Connections with SMA Bars

This study proposed a novel type of self-centering (SC) timber beam-column connection utilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) bars and investigated its cyclic behavior through experimental and numerical studies. In this SC connection, anchor bars consisting of SMA bars, steel bars, and couplers were utilized to connect the beam and column and achieve SC and energy dissipation capabilities. The configuration of the SC timber beam-column connection and material properties of the SMA bars were first introduced. The cyclic behavior of the SC timber beam-column connection was systematically investigated through experimental and numerical studies. A series of cyclic loading tests were conducted on the SC timber beam-column connection to evaluate its stiffness, SC, and energy dissipation capabilities, and the effect of multiearthquake loading. A detailed finite element model of the timber connection was also built and validated using the experimental results. Results indicated that the timber connection could exhibit a desirable flag-shaped hysteretic behavior, indicating favorable SC and moderate energy dissipation capabilities. The connection remained functional without any repair work after experiencing two consecutive cyclic loads up to 4% drift ratios, demonstrating its potential to withstand multiple seismic events.