Shahria Alam
The University of British Columbia, Canada
Title: Seismic Applications of Shape Memory Alloys in Steel Buildings: A Review
Biography
Biography: Shahria Alam
Abstract
Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are a class of metallic alloys with unique properties suitable for various civil engineering applications. SMAs are known for their capabilities to undergo large deformations while returning to their original undeformed shape through stress removal (superelasticity) or heating (shape memory effect). These desirable characteristics have attracted the interests of civil and structural engineers. Over the past three decades, several applications have been proposed and investigated for seismic response mitigation of steel buildings using SMAs in the forms of bars, wires, shells, and plates. In addition to providing supplemental damping, SMAs are used in civil infrastructures to mainly provide self-centering (i.e, return the structure back to its original position). As a result of this self-centering performance, residual deformations are eliminated in the building, even after severe earthquake events. Consequently, repair costs are significantly reduced following earthquakes. Here, a state-of-the-art review of the research on SMA-based damping and recentering devices, isolation devices, bracing systems, and structural retrofit and rehabilitations in steel braced frames and moment frames is presented. First, a general brief introduction of shape memory alloys is provided. Afterwards, the literature review is presented in three main sections, including numerical works, experimental works, and numerical studies along with experimental works. The challenges that exist for the practical applications of smart materials in buildings are also discussed. Based on the literature review, recommendations are provided for future research in this field.