A Numerical Study of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Reinforced Beam Subjected to Seismic Loading

To safeguard against the loss of life and to maintain integrity, reinforced concrete structures are designed and constructed to withstand severe damage, impact and permanent displacement during a strong earthquake. Due to the dissipation of energy after a major earthquake, steel reinforcement undergoes large strains which lead to damage in the plastic hinge zone. Furthermore, the structure will be unserviceable due to the large residual deformations caused by the permanent strain in steel. Implementation and development of smart materials in structures will help to achieve these qualities. Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) is an example of a smart material, the use of such super elastic material in reinforced structures helps to recover the strain upon unloading which leads to improved recovery. without significant degradation or permanent deformation through repeated cycling. This ability gives a promise in civil engineering infrastructure applications specifically in seismic design. The primary objective of this study is to review the use of SMA in reinforced concrete at the plastic hinge region and to review the behavior of the hybrid beam using finite element software. After validation of the finite element model with the experimental results gathered from past literature, a parametrical study is conducted to understand the behavior of the hybrid beam with a change in parameters.