SMA-Based Low-Damage Solution for Self-Centering Steel and Composite Beam-to-Column Connections
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 6
Abstract
This paper presents a low-damage solution for self-centering steel and composite beam-to-column connections, with the issue of beam-growth being particularly addressed by permitting the connections to rotate only about the top flange of the beam. Self-centering devices incorporating novel shape memory alloy (SMA) ring springs are the kernel components for the proposed connections. The fundamental working principle of the connections is depicted, followed by an experimental study on four proof-of-concept specimens, including three bare steel and one composite connections. The testing parameters are preload of web bolts, training of the SMA ring springs, and influence of the slab. Among other findings, it is shown that the damage to the concrete slab and the reinforcement are minimal for the composite connection. Stable flag-shaped hysteretic responses are typically exhibited, and good ductility, and energy dissipation performance are confirmed. The specimens can be generally classified as rigid and partial-strength connections. Slip-critical HS web bolts could provide an extra source of energy dissipation through friction. Applying training to the SMA outer rings further stabilizes the hysteretic behavior and mitigates the possible degradation. Based on the experimental observations, preliminary design recommendations are proposed, with the focus on the design of the SMA ring springs, web plate, cover plate, and other components of the device. Empirical design equations are also proposed for predicting the moment resistance of the connections, and the predicted values are shown to agree well with test results.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) with Grant Nos. 51820105013, 51778456, and 51778459 are gratefully acknowledged. Support for this study was also provided by the State Key Laboratory of Disaster Reduction in Civil Engineering of China (SLDRCE19-B-05) and Shock and Vibration of Engineering Materials and Structures Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province (18kfgk05).
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 6 • June 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 5, 2019
Accepted: Nov 15, 2019
Published online: Mar 26, 2020
Published in print: Jun 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Aug 26, 2020
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