Title: Innovative Self-Centering Concrete Beam-Column Connection Reinforced Using Shape Memory Alloy

Author(s): Fadi Oudah and Raafat El-Hacha

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 115

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 607-620

Keywords: beam column; connection; plastic hinge; psuedoelasticity; shape memory alloy; single-slotted beam

DOI: 10.14359/51702132

Date: 5/1/2018

Abstract:
The ability to sense the environment and react on thermal and mechanical stimulus make the use of smart materials a promising alternative in the design of structures. The design of concrete plastic hinge regions reinforced using shape memory alloy (SMA), a class of smart material, was considered in this study to further enhance the self-centering ability, while reducing the material direct cost. This was achieved through introducing an innovative detail of concrete plastic hinge regions reinforced using SMA bars. The system was examined experimentally by testing a large-scale concrete beam-column connection and comparing it with steel reinforced counterparts. Test results indicated the ability of the system to achieve a self-centering behavior when subjected to positive and negative bending while sustaining minimal damage. Future research trend should be directed toward mitigating the premature failure of the SMA bars at the anchorage to further use the energy dissipation ability of the SMA bar.