Seismic Vibration Control of Civil Structures Using Shape Memory Alloys: A Review

Abstract

This paper presents a review of structural vibration control in civil engineering, highlighting smart structures with shape memory alloys (SMAs). SMAs are a class of novel functional material that possess unique properties, including shape memory effect, superelasticity effect, extraordinary fatigue resistance, high corrosion resistance, high damping characteristics and Young’s modulus-temperature relations, which made them great potential for seismic vibration control in civil engineering. On the other hand, the relatively high costs, behaviors dependent on external and internal parameters, unclearness of the thermomechanical processing and the problem of retaining post-tensioning forces when using some types of SMAs are the barriers to expand the use of SMAs. This paper first presents some basics about SMA materials, thermomechanical properties and constitutive models. Then the researches on the application of SMA in various civil structures such as base isolation system, intelligent reinforced concrete beam, beam-column connections, steel frames, cable-stayed bridges and simply supported bridges as well as historical building are reviewed. Lastly their limitations as well as prospect for structural vibration control are discussed.