Hysteresis behavior of t-stub connections with superelastic shape memory fasteners

Abstract This study compares the energy dissipative characteristics of bolted t-stub connections using steel and shape memory alloy (SMA) fasteners. The initial phase of the study focused on the optimization of the SMA superelastic effect using two different heat treatment temperatures. The samples were then subjected to tensile testing to determine transformation stress, tensile strength, and fracture strain. In addition, low cycle fatigue tests were conducted to examine the energy dissipative characteristics of these superelastic SMAs heat treated at the two temperatures. The cycled samples were then tensile tested to determine the effect of fatigue cycling on transformation stress, tensile strength, and fracture strain. Results from the mechanical tests were analyzed to determine the preferred heat treatment temperature that resulted in the least residual strain and the largest energy dissipative characteristics. The second phase of the study involved t-stub connection testing using steel and SMA double-ended threaded rod fasteners. The optimum heat treatment determined in the first phase was used to develop the SMA fasteners for the t-stub connection tests. Experimental hysteresis results from the t-stub connection tests were used to compare the energy dissipation capacity of the connections with SMA and steel fasteners.