Earthquake resilient RC walls using shape memory alloy bars and replaceable energy dissipating devices

Bin Wang, Songye Zhu, Junxian Zhao, Huanjun Jiang

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study presents a novel precast reinforced concrete (RC) wall system using shape memory alloy (SMA) bars and replaceable energy dissipating (ED) devices to achieve earthquake resilience (hereafter referred to as SMA-based RC wall). The major advantages of this structural system include (1) self-centering (SC) capability provided by the unbonded superelastic SMA bars used in the bottom boundary zones of the wall, (2) concentrated energy dissipation and damage in the replaceable steel angles, and (3) an earthquake resilient design that requires minimal repair even after strong earthquakes. The structural details and design considerations of the SMA-based RC wall were first introduced. Subsequently, the mechanical behavior of the SMA bars and ED angles was investigated through cyclic loading tests. The seismic performance of the SMA-based RC walls was computationally investigated using various parameters of interest in seismic applications and evaluated in terms of strength, stiffness, and SC and ED capabilities. The proposed SMA-based RC walls exhibited satisfactory and stable flag-shaped hysteretic loops with excellent SC and satisfactory ED capabilities. Compared with conventional RC walls, the proposed SMA-based RC walls provide a promising solution for high-performance structural systems required by modern resilient and sustainable civil infrastructure.

Original languageEnglish
Article number065021
JournalSmart Materials and Structures
Volume28
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 May 2019

Keywords

  • earthquake resilience
  • energy dissipation
  • flag-shaped hysteretic loop
  • precast reinforced concrete wall
  • rocking
  • self-centering
  • superelastic shape memory alloy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Signal Processing
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Materials Science(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Earthquake resilient RC walls using shape memory alloy bars and replaceable energy dissipating devices'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this