Development of Novel Self-Centering Timber Beam–Column Connections with SMA Bars
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 8
Abstract
This study proposed a novel type of self-centering (SC) timber beam–column connection utilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) bars and investigated its cyclic behavior through experimental and numerical studies. In this SC connection, anchor bars consisting of SMA bars, steel bars, and couplers were utilized to connect the beam and column and achieve SC and energy dissipation capabilities. The configuration of the SC timber beam–column connection and material properties of the SMA bars were first introduced. The cyclic behavior of the SC timber beam–column connection was systematically investigated through experimental and numerical studies. A series of cyclic loading tests were conducted on the SC timber beam–column connection to evaluate its stiffness, SC, and energy dissipation capabilities, and the effect of multiearthquake loading. A detailed finite element model of the timber connection was also built and validated using the experimental results. Results indicated that the timber connection could exhibit a desirable flag-shaped hysteretic behavior, indicating favorable SC and moderate energy dissipation capabilities. The connection remained functional without any repair work after experiencing two consecutive cyclic loads up to 4% drift ratios, demonstrating its potential to withstand multiple seismic events.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful for the financial support from the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong through a GRF Project (Grant No. 15231723), the Hong Kong Branch of National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Center (Grant No. K-BBY1), and the Joint Research Centre for Marine Infrastructure (Grant No. 1-CEB0). The first author acknowledges the financial support from the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. The findings and opinions expressed in this work are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views of the sponsors.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 150 • Issue 8 • August 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 5, 2023
Accepted: Jan 22, 2024
Published online: May 17, 2024
Published in print: Aug 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Oct 17, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Analysis (by type)
- Bars (structure)
- Beam columns
- Building materials
- Columns
- Connections (structural)
- Energy dissipation
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering materials (by type)
- Engineering mechanics
- Materials engineering
- Numerical analysis
- Structural behavior
- Structural engineering
- Structural members
- Structural systems
- Thermodynamics
- Wood and wood products
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