Seismic Performance of an Earthquake Resilient Self-Centering Precast Reinforced Concrete Rocking Wall with External SMA Rods

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research aims to propose an alternative way to provide a recentering force to a precast unbonded post-tensioned reinforced concrete rocking wall (RW) using shape memory alloy (SMA) bars. The physical and mechanical properties, such as fatigue, corrosion resistance, and large damping capacity, qualify the SMA to be at the forefront of materials used in structural engineering applications. In this study, the SMA bars replace the post-tensioned tendons to minimize the permanent deformation resulting from the system’s exposure to the lateral loading coming from the seismic events. The SMA bars are attached externally to the wall and fixed with the base to facilitate the installation process and reduce the repairing time if a failure occurs under unexpected events. The proposed system shows that the SMA rods can play the same role as the PT tendons to minimize the residual displacement while also providing an acceptable level of energy dissipation to the system.