Feasibility study of utilizing superelastic shape memory alloy plates in steel beam-column connections for improved seismic performance

摘要

Steel moment-resisting frames are prone to extensive damage in seismically active zones. Large permanent deformations in structural members following strong earthquakes can be mitigated using smart materials such as shape memory alloys. In this article, three-dimensional finite element analyses are conducted to study the seismic performance of beam-column connections incorporating shape memory alloy plates. Eight beam-column connection subassemblies with shape memory alloy plates in the plastic hinge of beam were analyzed under cyclic loading. Based on the numerical results, the recentering properties of superelastic shape memory alloy plates were found to be effective in reducing the residual drifts of a flange plate beam-column connection, while displaying an excellent ductility. In addition, shape memory alloy plates could prevent the occurrence of local buckling and damage in structural members. The new self-centering connections could also exhibit a good energy dissipation capability.