Application of Shape Memory Alloys in Seismic Control of Steel Structures

This study presents the utilization of the shape memory alloys in the steel structures for retrofitting purposes and brings them to the state of the current specifications. Shape memory alloys with the super-elastic behavior exploited in order to operate as a suitable passive seismic control device in the structural systems. In this article, the results of a numerical investigation in which the improvement of a damaged moment resisting steel frame due to seismic loadings is presented. Super-elastic model of shape memory alloys and plasticity model of steel are incorporated into the nonlinear finite element program particularly developed for this research. Also to compare the behavior of the proposed energy dissipation system, the behavior of the steel frame with shape memory alloy braces are compared with the behavior of the buckling restrained bracing, considered to be the forefront lateral systems among the existing systems. Results proved that using shape memory alloy braces for the retrofitting purposes is preferred in comparison with buckling restrained braces; particularly in high levels of seismic damage.