Feasibility of mechanical post-tensioning of annealed glass beams by activating externally bonded Fe-SMA reinforcement

Abstract

The structural concept of post-tensioned glass systems has been investigated to minimize the unpredictable response of structural glass in tension. The Fe-SMAs have been successfully explored for strengthening existing structures due to their advantages in comparison with the conventional reinforcement materials. In particular, the recently developed Fe-17Mn-5Si-10Cr-4Ni-1VC (mass-%) alloy seems sustainable and shows promising properties for the construction industry. This study investigates the feasibility of post-tensioning glass beams by activating externally bonded Fe-SMA strips. The investigation is mainly focussed on (i) the activation process of Fe-SMA strips, with temperatures ranging between 120 °C and 160 °C, and (ii) the advantages of this reinforcement for post-tensioning of glass structural elements, in terms of applicability and structural response. Flexural tests show that it is possible to obtain ductile failure modes when glass beams are reinforced with passive or activated Fe-SMA strips. Activation of Fe-SMA strips resulted in an increase of up to 30 % of the cracking load.