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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2022) | Viewed by 28263

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Dr. Cheng Fang

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Guest Editor

Department of Structural Engineering, College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Interests: shape memory alloy; civil engineering; self-centering; resilience; damping
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Prof. Dr. Canxing Qiu

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Architecture, Civil And Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Interests: shape memory alloy; self-centering; earthquake engineering; resilience
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Dr. Yue Zheng

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Guest Editor

Department of Bridge Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Interests: SMA-based resilient bridge structures; novel bridge structral systems against earthquakes; ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC); engineered cementitious composite material (ECC); life-cycle management of bridges; machine learning application in bridge engineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are capable of recovering large strains, either spontaneously or by heating, depending on their thermal-mechanical state. Since the early development in the 1960s, SMAs have been successfully applied in the medical, aerospace, robotic, and automobile industries. The consideration of SMA as emerging materials for civil engineering started in the 1990s, and great research progress has been made since then. However, the practical application of SMA to the construction industry has not been common, partially due to insufficient engineering-oriented design approaches and a lack of effective knowledge exchange between the communities of material scientists and civil engineers. This Special Issue plans to give an overview of the most recent advances in the field of SMA research and applications in civil engineering. It aims to help remove knowledge barriers across disciplines, and sheds considerable light on the opportunity of commercializing SMA products in the construction industry.
Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

Advanced modelling of SMA;
Heat treatment strategies for SMA;
SMA-based self-centering structural elements, devices and members;
SMA for structural retrofitting;
Performance-based design of structural systems incorporating SMA;
Development and application of new classes of SMA;
New SMA elements and devices.

Prof. Dr. Cheng Fang
Prof. Dr. Canxing Qiu
Dr. Yue Zheng
Guest Editors

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Keywords

shape memory alloy
civil engineering
self-centering
resilience
damping

Related Special Issue

Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering (Second Volume) in Materials (1 article)

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 167 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering

by Cheng Fang, Canxing Qiu and Yue Zheng

Materials 2023, 16(2), 787; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma16020787 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1666

Abstract

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a unique class of metals capable of recovering large strains either spontaneously or upon heating, depending on their thermal-mechanical state [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

Research

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14 pages, 4535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermomechanical Fatigue Testing on Fe-Mn-Si Shape Memory Alloys in Prestress Conditions

by Eva Marinopoulou and Konstantinos Katakalos

Materials 2023, 16(1), 237; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma16010237 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1485

Abstract

Active materials have gained increasing momentum during the last decades due to their ability to act as sensors and actuators without the need for an external controlling system or an electronic signal. Shape memory alloys (SMAs), which are a subcategory of active materials, are slowly being introduced in the civil engineering sector in applications that refer to prestressing and strengthening of various structural elements. Low-cost iron-based SMAs are a good alternative to the Ni-Ti SMAs for such uses since the cost of large-scale civil engineering applications would otherwise be prohibitive. The scope of this study is the investigation of the thermomechanical response of the Fe-17Mn-5Si-10Cr-4Ni-1(V,C) ferrous SMA. In particular, this study focuses on the application of prestress, and on the alloy’s behavior under fatigue loadings. In addition, the effect of loading frequency on the recovery stress of the material is thoroughly investigated. Four dog-bone specimens were prepared and tested in low-cycle fatigue. All the experiments aimed at the simulation of prestress. The recovery stress was monitored after pre-straining and heating applied under strain–control conditions. The experimental results are promising in terms of the is situ prestress feasibility since the measured recovery stress values are satisfactory high. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

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24 pages, 11073 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Performance-Based Assessment of Bridges with Novel SMA-Washer-Based Self-Centering Rocking Piers

by Jiawei Chen, Dong Liang, Xin You and Hao Liang

Materials 2022, 15(19), 6589; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15196589 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1281

Abstract

This study discussed a novel self-centering rocking (SCR) bridge system equipped with shape memory alloy (SMA)-based piers, with a particular focus on the benefit of the SCR bridge system in a life-cycle context. The study commences with an introduction of the SCR bridge system; subsequently, a life-cycle loss and resilience assessment framework for the SCR bridge system is presented. Specifically, the seismic fragility, resilience, and life-cycle loss associated with the SCR and conventional bridge systems were addressed. The proposed life-cycle assessment framework was finally applied to two highway bridges with and without SMA washer-based rocking piers, considering the representative hazard scenarios that could happen within the investigated regions. The results revealed that the novel SCR pier bridge system slightly increased the bearing displacement but extensively reduced the pier curvature ductility due to the rocking mechanism. The SCR bridge system kept a lower life-cycle loss level and exhibited more resilient performance than the conventional bridge, especially in the region with higher seismic intensities. Indirect loss can be significantly larger than the direct loss, specifically for the earthquakes with a relatively low probability of occurrence. The SCR bridge system outperformed the conventional system in terms of recovery time, where a quick recovery after an earthquake and drastically decreased the social and economic losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

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20 pages, 5817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Centering Shape Memory Alloy-Viscoelastic Hybrid Braces for Seismic Resilience

by Zhe-Xi Zhang, Yiwei Ping and Xiuzhang He

Materials 2022, 15(7), 2349; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15072349 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2078

Abstract

This paper presents a novel type of hybrid self-centering braces incorporating tension-only superelastic NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) cables and integrated viscoelastic dampers (VEDs). One of our reasons for proposing this new SMA-viscoelastic hybrid brace (SCVEB) is to provide enhanced energy-dissipation ability whilst promoting increased self-centering tendency compared with the existing SMA-based self-centering solutions, where upgrading behavior is mainly benefited from the participation of the VEDs. The configuration and the working principle, along with theoretical equations describing the mechanical behavior of the SCVEB, are described in detail firstly. Experimental verification of individual elements in this SCVEB system, namely the NiTi SMA cables and VEDs, was performed to obtain a basic understanding of their mechanical properties. A proof-of-concept SCVEB specimen was then manufactured, and its cyclic performance was further investigated. Followed by this, a system-level analysis on a series of steel frames equipped with or without SCVEB was conducted. The results showed that the SCVEB system exhibited a moderate damping ratio and a more efficient controlled behavior in terms of its post-event residual deformation and floor acceleration when compared with those of the non-SCVEB system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

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23 pages, 5005 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vibration Control of a Wind-Excited Transmission Tower-Line System by Shape Memory Alloy Dampers

by Bo Chen, Xinxin Song, Wenbin Li and Jingbo Wu

Materials 2022, 15(5), 1790; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15051790 - 27 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1422

Abstract

To be typical electrical power infrastructures, high-rise tower-line systems are widely constructed for power transmission. These flexible tower structures commonly possess small damping and may suffer strong vibrations during external excitations. The control approaches based on various devices have been developed to protect transmission towers against strong vibrations, damages, and even failure. However, studies on the vibrant control of wind-excited tower-line systems equipped with SMA dampers have not yet been reported. To this end, the control approach for wind-excited tower-line systems using SMA dampers is conducted. The mechanical model of the tower-line system is established using Lagrange’s equations by considering the dynamic interaction between transmission lines and towers. The vibration control method using SMA dampers for the tower-line coupled system is proposed. The control efficacy is verified in both the time domain and the frequency domain. Detailed parametric studies are conducted to examine the effects of physical parameters of SMA dampers on structural responses and hysteresis loops. In addition, the structural energy responses are computed to examine the control performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

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27 pages, 7157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Seismic Performance of New Self-Centering Beam-Column Joints of Conventional Island Main Buildings in Nuclear Power Plants

by Qiang Pei, Cong Wu, Zhi Cheng, Yu Ding and Hang Guo

Materials 2022, 15(5), 1704; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15051704 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1965

Abstract

In order to improve the deformation energy consumption and self-centering ability of reinforced concrete (RC) frame beam-column joints for main buildings of conventional islands in nuclear power plants, a new type of self-centering joint equipped with super-elastic shape memory alloy (SMA) bars and a steel plate as kernel components in the core area of the joint is proposed in this study. Four 1/5-scale frame joints were designed and manufactured, including two contrast joints (a normal reinforced concrete joint and a concrete joint that replaces steel bars with SMA bars) and two new model joints with different SMA reinforcement ratios. Subsequently, the residual deformation, energy dissipation capacity, stiffness degradation and self-centering performance of the novel frame joints were studied through a low-frequency cyclic loading test. Finally, based on the OpenSees finite element software platform, an effective numerical model of the new joint was established and verified. On this basis, varying two main parameters, the SMA reinforcement ratio and the axial compression ratio, a simulation was systematically conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed joint in seismic performance. The results show that replacing ordinary steel bars in the beam with SMA bars not only greatly reduces the bearing capacity and stiffness of the joint, but also makes the failure mode of the joint brittle. The construction of a new type of joint with consideration of the SMA reinforcement and the steel plate can improve the bearing capacity, delay the stiffness degradation and improve the ductility and self-centering capability of the joints. Within a certain range, increasing the ratio of the SMA bars can further improve the ultimate bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the new joint. Increasing or decreasing the axial compression ratio of column ends has little effect on the overall seismic performance of new joints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

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17 pages, 6845 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Loading Rate and Initial Strain on Seismic Performance of an Innovative Self-Centering SMA Brace

by Yigang Jia, Bo Zhang, Sizhi Zeng, Fenghua Tang, Shujun Hu and Wenping Chen

Materials 2022, 15(3), 1234; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15031234 - 07 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1462

Abstract

In order to improve the energy dissipation capacity and to reduce the residual deformation of civil structures simultaneously, this paper puts forwards an innovative self-centering shape memory alloy (SMA) brace that is based on the design concepts of SMA’s superelasticity and low friction slip. Seven self-centering SMA brace specimens were tested under cyclic loading, and the hysteresis curves, bond curves, secant stiffness, energy dissipation coefficient, equivalent damping coefficient, and the self-centering capacity ratio of these specimens were investigated, allowing us to provide an evaluation of the effects of the loading rate and initial strain on the seismic performance. The test results show that the self-centering SMA braces have an excellent energy dissipation capacity, bearing capacity, and self-centering capacity, while the steel plates remain elastic, and the SMA in the specimens that are always under tension are able to return to the initial state. The hysteresis curves of all of the specimens are idealized as a flag shape with low residual deformation, and the self-centering capacity ratio reached 89.38%. In addition, both the loading rate and the initial strain were shown to have a great influence on the seismic performance of the self-centering SMA brace. The improved numerical models combined with the Graesser model and Bouc–Wen model in MATLAB were used to simulate the seismic performance of the proposed braces with different loading rates and initial strains, and the numerical results are consistent with the test results under the same conditions, meaning that they can accurately predict the seismic performance of the self-centering SMA brace proposed here. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

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14 pages, 3862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning Enhanced Dynamic Response Modelling of Superelastic Shape Memory Alloy Wires

by Niklas Lenzen and Okyay Altay

Materials 2022, 15(1), 304; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15010304 - 01 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2017

Abstract

Superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) wires exhibit superb hysteretic energy dissipation and deformation capabilities. Therefore, they are increasingly used for the vibration control of civil engineering structures. The efficient design of SMA-based control devices requires accurate material models. However, the thermodynamically coupled SMA behavior is highly sensitive to strain rate. For an accurate modelling of the material behavior, a wide range of parameters needs to be determined by experiments, where the identification of thermodynamic parameters is particularly challenging due to required technical instruments and expert knowledge. For an efficient identification of thermodynamic parameters, this study proposes a machine-learning-based approach, which was specifically designed considering the dynamic SMA behavior. For this purpose, a feedforward artificial neural network (ANN) architecture was developed. For the generation of training data, a macroscopic constitutive SMA model was adapted considering strain rate effects. After training, the ANN can identify the searched model parameters from cyclic tensile stress–strain tests. The proposed approach is applied on superelastic SMA wires and validated by experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

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19 pages, 4517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation on Bending Behavior of Existing RC Beam Retrofitted with SMA-ECC Composites Materials

by Hui Qian, Qingyuan Zhang, Xun Zhang, Enfeng Deng and Jundong Gao

Materials 2022, 15(1), 12; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15010012 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4616

Abstract

In order to realize the self-centering, high energy consumption, and high ductility of the existing building structure through strengthening and retrofit of structure, a method of reinforced concrete (RC) beam strengthened by using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) was proposed. Four kinds of specimens were designed, including one beam strengthened with enlarging section area of steel reinforced concrete, one beam strengthened with enlarging section area of SMA reinforced concrete, beam strengthened with enlarging section area of SMA reinforced ECC, and beam strengthened with enlarging section area of steel reinforced ECC; these specimens were manufactured for the monotonic cycle loading tests study on its bending behavior. The influence on the bearing capacity, energy dissipation performance, and self-recovery capacity for each test specimens with different strengthening materials were investigated, especially the bending behavior of the beams strengthened by SMA reinforced ECC. The results show that, compared with the ordinary reinforced concrete beams, strengthening existing RC beam with enlarging section area of SMA reinforced ECC can improve the self-recovery capacity, ductility, and deformability of the specimens. Finally, a revised design formula for the bending capacity of RC beams, strengthened with enlarging sections of ECC, was proposed by considering the tensile capacity provided by ECC, and the calculated values are in good agreement with the experimental value, indicating that the revised formula can be well applied to the beam strengthening with enlarging section of SMA-ECC Materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

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22 pages, 5096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Response Mitigation of a Television Transmission Tower by Shape Memory Alloy Dampers

by Jingbo Wu, Bo Chen, Lunhai Zhi and Xinxin Song

Materials 2021, 14(22), 6987; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14226987 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1385

Abstract

High-rise television transmission towers are of low damping and may vibrate excessively when subjected to strong earthquakes. Various dynamic absorbers and dampers are proposed to protect television transmission towers from excessive vibrations and damages. Up to now, the seismic damage reduction in television towers, using SMA dampers under seismic excitations, has not been conducted. To this end, the response reduction in a flexible television tower, disturbed by earthquakes using SMA dampers, is conducted in this study. A two-dimensional dynamic model is developed for dynamic computation at first. The mathematical model of an SMA damper is proposed, and the equations of motion of the tower, without and with, are established, respectively. The structural dynamic responses are examined in the time and the frequency domain, respectively. The effects of damper stiffness, service temperature, hysteresis loops, and earthquake intensity on control efficacy are investigated in detail. In addition, the power spectrum density curves, of dynamic responses and the energy responses, are compared to provide deep insights into the developed control approach. The control performance of SMA dampers is compared with that of widely-used friction dampers. The analytical observations indicate that SMA dampers with optimal parameters can substantially reduce the vibrations of TV transmission towers under seismic excitations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

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21 pages, 8446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Response of Resilient Bridges with SMA-Based Rocking ECC-Reinforced Piers

by Xiaogang Li, Ke Chen, Ji Chen, Yi Li and Dong Yang

Materials 2021, 14(21), 6500; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14216500 - 29 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1619

Abstract

Post-earthquake investigation shows that numerous reinforced concrete (RC) bridges were demolished because of large residual displacements. Improving the self-centering capability and hence resilience of these bridges located in earthquake-prone regions is essential. In this regard, a resilient bridge system incorporating engineered cementitious composites (ECC) reinforced piers and shape memory alloy (SMA) energy dissipation components, i.e., SMA washers, is proposed to enhance its resilience when subjected to strong earthquakes. This study commences with a detailed introduction of the resilient SMA-washer-based rocking bridge system with ECC-reinforced piers. Subsequently, a constitutive model of the ECC material is implemented into OpenSees and the constitutive model is validated by test data. The working principle and constitutive model of the SMA washers are also introduced. A series of dynamic analysis on the conventional and resilient rocking bridge systems with ECC-reinforced piers under a suite of ground motions at E1 and E2 earthquake levels are conducted. The analysis results indicate that the resilient rocking bridge system with ECC-reinforced piers has superior resilience and damage control capacities over the conventional one. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

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Review

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26 pages, 7742 KiB

Open AccessReview

Iron-Based Shape Memory Alloys in Construction: Research, Applications and Opportunities

by Zhe-Xi Zhang, Jie Zhang, Honglei Wu, Yuezhen Ji and Dheeraj D. Kumar

Materials 2022, 15(5), 1723; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15051723 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 5059

Abstract

As a promising candidate in the construction industry, iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) has attracted lots of attention in the engineering and metallography communities because of its foreseeable benefits including corrosion resistance, shape recovery capability, excellent plastic deformability, and outstanding fatigue resistance. Pilot applications have proved the feasibility of Fe-SMA as a highly efficient functional material in the construction sector. This paper provides a review of recent developments in research and design practice related to Fe-SMA. The basic mechanical properties are presented and compared with conventional structural steel, and some necessary explanations are given on the metallographic transformation mechanism. Newly emerged applications, such as Fe-SMA-based prestressing/strengthening techniques and seismic-resistant components/devices, are discussed. It is believed that Fe-SMA offers a wide range of applications in the construction industry but there still remains problems to be addressed and areas to be further explored. Some research needs at material-level, component-level, and system-level are highlighted in this paper. With the systematic information provided, this paper not only benefits professionals and researchers who have been working in this area for a long time and wanting to gain an in-depth understanding of the state-of-the-art, but also helps enlighten a wider audience intending to get acquainted with this exciting topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys for Civil Engineering)

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