Self-centring behaviour of steel and steel-concrete composite connections equipped with NiTi SMA bolts

Abstract This paper reveals the great potential of using NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) bolts for self-centring connections against seismic action, with the main focus on the influence of composite slab systems on the connection performance. An experimental study on four full-scale specimens, including two SMA-based bare steel connections and two composite connections, is conducted. The results show that the steel specimens, classified as semi-rigid and partial-strength connections, exhibited satisfactory self-centring ability and ductility. For the composite specimens, due to the yielding of the reinforcement and metal deck, accompanied by cracking of the concrete slab, the self-centring ability is compromised to a certain extent. All the connections showed moderate energy dissipation capacity, with a stable equivalent viscous damping (EVD) of approximately 10% at large deformations. A comprehensive numerical study, employing an efficient yet simple way to capture the actual cyclic performance of the SMA bolts, is subsequently conducted, and the validated modelling approach is used to conduct a further parametric study, discussing the influences of bolt preload, reinforcement, metal deck orientation, and slab insulation. A preliminary design recommendation is also proposed based on the test data and the numerical study results.

[1]  Richard Sause,et al.  Influence of design parameters on seismic response of post-tensioned steel MRF systems , 2008 .

[2]  Michael C.H. Yam,et al.  Tests on superelastic Ni–Ti SMA bars under cyclic tension and direct-shear: towards practical recentring connections , 2015 .

[3]  Ferdinando Auricchio,et al.  A robust integration-algorithm for a finite-strain shape-memory-alloy superelastic model , 2001 .

[4]  Wei Wang,et al.  Self-Centering Beam-to-Column Connections with Combined Superelastic SMA Bolts and Steel Angles , 2017 .

[5]  Matthew R. Eatherton,et al.  Residual Drifts of Self-Centering Systems Including Effects of Ambient Building Resistance , 2011 .

[6]  Canxing Qiu,et al.  High-mode effects on seismic performance of multi-story self-centering braced steel frames , 2016 .

[7]  Roberto T. Leon,et al.  Steel Beam-Column Connections using Shape Memory Alloys , 2004 .

[8]  Karel Mazanec,et al.  On precipitation kinetics in TiNi shape memory alloys , 2001 .

[9]  K. F. Chung,et al.  Composite column design to Eurocode 4 : based on DD ENV 1994-1-1: 1994 Eurocode 4: design of composite steel and concrete structures: part 1.1: general rules and rules for buildings , 1994 .

[10]  Angus C.C. Lam,et al.  Numerical study and practical design of beam-to-column connections with shape memory alloys , 2015 .

[11]  Chung-Che Chou,et al.  Development of floor slab for steel post-tensioned self-centering moment frames , 2011 .

[12]  Angus C.C. Lam,et al.  Feasibility study of shape memory alloy ring spring systems for self-centring seismic resisting devices , 2015 .

[13]  David Bonowitz,et al.  A survey of steel moment-resisting frame buildings affected by the 1994 Northridge Earthquake , 1995 .

[14]  Wei Wang,et al.  Cyclic behavior of connections equipped with NiTi shape memory alloy and steel tendons between H-shaped beam to CHS column , 2015 .

[15]  Ali Abolmaali,et al.  Hysteresis behavior of t-stub connections with superelastic shape memory fasteners , 2006 .

[16]  Songye Zhu,et al.  Incremental Dynamic Analysis of Highway Bridges with Novel Shape Memory Alloy Isolators , 2014 .

[17]  Xiao-Yi Zhou,et al.  Superelastic SMA Belleville washers for seismic resisting applications: experimental study and modelling strategy , 2016 .

[18]  Michael C.H. Yam,et al.  Cyclic performance of extended end-plate connections equipped with shape memory alloy bolts , 2014 .

[19]  Tak-Ming Chan,et al.  Seismic performance of beam–column joints with SMA tendons strengthened by steel angles , 2015 .

[20]  Michel Bruneau,et al.  Self-centering steel plate shear walls for improving seismic resilience , 2016 .

[21]  E. Oñate,et al.  A plastic-damage model for concrete , 1989 .

[22]  D. Lagoudas.  Shape memory alloys : modeling and engineering applications , 2008 .

[23]  Andre Filiatrault,et al.  Posttensioned Energy Dissipating Connections for Moment-Resisting Steel Frames , 2002 .

[24]  Chung-Che Chou,et al.  Seismic design and shake table tests of a steel post‐tensioned self‐centering moment frame with a slab accommodating frame expansion , 2011 .

[25]  Wei Wang,et al.  Large size superelastic SMA bars: heat treatment strategy, mechanical property and seismic application , 2016 .

[26]  Matthew R. Eatherton,et al.  Experimental study of the restoring force mechanism in the self-centering beam (SCB) , 2016 .

[27]  Roberto T. Leon,et al.  Experimental results of a NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA)-based recentering beam-column connection , 2011 .

[28]  A W Beeby,et al.  CONCISE EUROCODE FOR THE DESIGN OF CONCRETE BUILDINGS. BASED ON BSI PUBLICATION DD ENV 1992-1-1: 1992. EUROCODE 2: DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES. PART 1: GENERAL RULES AND RULES FOR BUILDINGS , 1993 .