Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been frequently used for strengthening concrete structures. However, conventional FRPs exhibit brittle behavior with relatively low ultimate tensile strains and limited energy dissipation capacity, and possess limited fatigue life. Superelastic shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a class of metallic alloys that can recover strains between 6% and 8% upon load removal. SMAs possess excellent corrosion resistance, enhanced energy dissipation abilities, and high fatigue properties. Small-diameter superelastic SMA strands are new form of SMA elements. SMA strands can replace conventional fibers to produce resilient composites with enhanced ductility and deformability. These composites can be used for concrete and steel infrastructure strengthening and energy absorption applications.
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