SEISMIC PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF STEEL STRUCTURES USING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS FOR IMPROVED POST-EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY

Abstract

The increasing demand for resilient infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions has driven the development of structural systems capable of both resisting seismic forces and recovering rapidly after seismic events. Conventional steel structures, although ductile and efficient in energy dissipation, often experience permanent deformation and residual drift due to plastic hinge formation, leading to significant repair costs and downtime. This study investigates the integration of Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) into steel structures as an innovative approach to enhance seismic performance and post-earthquake recovery.

SMAs, particularly Nickel–Titanium (NiTi) and iron-based (FeSMA) alloys, exhibit unique properties such as superelasticity and the shape memory effect, enabling large recoverable strains and stable energy dissipation under cyclic loading. A finite element-based analytical framework is employed to evaluate the behavior of SMA-integrated steel systems subjected to simulated seismic loading. The structural response is analyzed in terms of load–displacement behavior, hysteretic performance, and residual drift.

Results indicate that SMA-integrated systems significantly reduce residual deformation, enhance self-centering capability, and maintain stable cyclic performance compared to conventional steel structures. The study highlights the potential of SMA technology in transforming traditional steel systems into smart, resilient structures. Practical challenges such as material cost, design complexity, and the need for standardized guidelines are also discussed, providing direction for future research and implementation.