Thermally-activated shape memory alloys for retrofitting bridge double-angle connections. (15th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Izadi, Mohammadreza; Motavalli, Masoud; Ghafoori, Elyas
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 245(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-15
• Subjects: Shape memory alloy (SMAs) -- Damage -- Fatigue crack -- Rehabilitation -- Pre-stressing -- Optical measurements; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112827
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Abstract: Double-angle connections are prone to fatigue cracking in old steel bridges; however, owing to their complexity, there are not many retrofitting solutions for these details. This study proposes a retrofitting system for double-angle connections using iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs). An innovative connection test setup equipped with an optical 3D digital image correlation (DIC) measurement system was developed. The retrofitting system included two end-anchorages set on either side of the connection. Fe-SMA strips were inserted inside the anchorages, and then were thermally activated (pre-stressed) to a temperature of 260 °C. Numerical finite element studies were performed to investigate the static behavior of the system. It was found that the activated/prestressed Fe-SMA strips not only apply a reverse positive moment on the connection (versus an undesirable negative fixity moment), but also "absorb" a portion of the negative moment, owing to the added axial stiffness. The proposed SMA-based system offers a versatile and cost-effective technique (with quick and easy installation) for bridge connections, and can significantly reduce the effects from undesirable sources of fatigue cracking.