TA851 : Seismic Evaluation of a Recentering Beam-Column Connection with Fe‌‌ Shape Memory Alloy(Fe-SMA)
Thesis > Central Library of Shahrood University > Civil & Architectural Engineering > MSc > 2025
Authors:
[Author], mohammad Shamekhi Amiri[Supervisor], Hossein Pahlavan[Advisor]
Abstarct: Abstract Due to its location on the Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt, Iran has always been at risk of destructive earthquakes. Past experiences have shown that the vulnerability of traditional connections in steel structures is one of the main causes of extensive damage, heavy casualties, and prolonged disruption in the operational use of structures after seismic events. Therefore, the development and implementation of smart, resilient structural systems that not only prevent collapse but also enable rapid recovery to operational conditions by reducing residual deformations have become a national and technical necessity. Concentrically braced beam-to-column connections using shape memory alloys (SMAs), due to their high stiffness and strength, are a suitable option for achieving this goal. In this study, to simulate and analyze the nonlinear behavior of a beam-to-column connection model under cyclic loading, the model was analyzed in the advanced finite element software Abaqus, first with tendons made of iron-baxsed shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA), then with nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi-SMA), and finally with conventional St37 steel. The numerical model was validated through qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the analysis results (such as hysteresis curves, energy dissipation, residual deformations, elastic stiffness, and load-bearing capacity) with published experimental data from a reputable laboratory on similar specimens, showing acceptable agreement. The analytical results demonstrated that using iron-baxsed SMA significantly improves the seismic performance of the connection. This alloy, by forming wider and more extensive hysteresis loops, provides much higher load-bearing capacity and damping (energy dissipation) compared to conventional cases, making it an ideal choice for structures subjected to severe dynamic loads, such as tall towers, large bridges, and heavy industrial structures. In comparison to the conventional nickel-titanium alloy, although iron-baxsed SMA exhibits less stable behavior, its significantly lower production cost and greater availability make it feasible for widespread application in large-scale national projects. Ultimately, the optimal choice between these two alloys depends on the design priorities of each project (required performance, budget constraints, and structural sensitivity).
Keywords:
#_Nickel-Titanium Alloy (NiTi) #Iron-baxsed Shape Memory Alloy (Fe-SMA) #Recentering #Nonlinear Analysis #Cyclic Loading Keeping place: Central Library of Shahrood University
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