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Applications of shape memory alloys in civil engineering structures—Overview, limits and new ideas

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Abstract

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are metallic materials with great potential to enhance civil engineering structures. They are often referred to as smart materials. A basic description of their highly non-linear material behaviour in terms of shape memory effect, superelasticity, martensite damping and variable stiffness is given in this article. It is followed by a brief introduction to Ni−Ti and Fe−Mn−Si SMAs. Pre-existing and new applications in the fields of damping, active vibration control and prestressing or posttensioning of structures with fibres and tendons are being reviewed with regard to civil engineering. Furthermore, the relatively high costs and the problem of retaining posttensioning forces when using some types of SMAs are named. In this regard is Fe−Mn−Si−Cr discussed as potential low cost SMA. A simple model for calculating the activation times of resistive heated SMA actuators or springs is presented. The results and measured data lead to further constrictions. Finally, new ideas for using SMAs in civil engineering structures are proposed in this article such as an improved concept for the active confinement of concrete members. This article is to introduce civil engineers to the world of shape memory alloys and invite them to contribute to their wider use in civil engineering structures.

Résumé

Les alliages à mémoire de forme (AMF), souvent qualifiés de «matériaux intelligent», présentent un grand potentiel pour l'amélioration des ouvrages de génie civil. Une description de leurs comportements non linéaires, que sont la mémoire de forme, la superélasticité, la capacité d'amortissement de la martensite et la rigidité variable, est donnée. Elle est suivie d'une introduction sur les AMF Ni−Ti et Fe−Mn−Si. Des applications telles que l'amortissement et le contrôle actif des vibrations ou la pré- ou postcontrainte au moyen de fibres et de câbles sont décrites. Les problèmes du coût des AFM et du maintien de la postcontrainte rencontré avec certains AFM sont aussi abordés. L'alliage Fe−Mn−Si−Cr est discuté comme AMF potentiellement bon marché. Un modèle du temps d'activation des actuateurs ou des ressorts en AMF chauffés par résistance est présenté. Cette modélisation et les résultats de mesure montrent que l'utilisation de ces AMF reste soumise à certaines restrictions. Finalement, de nouvelles applications des AMF en génie civil, telles qu'une méthode de confinement actif des éléments en béton, sont présentées. Cet article se propose d'introduire les ingénieurs en génie civil dans l'univers des AMF pour les inciter à contribuer à leur plus large utilisation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Structural Engineering Research Laboratory, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland

    L. Janke, C. Czaderski & M. Motavalli

  2. Faculty of Civil Engineering, Bauhaus-University Weimar, Germany

    L. Janke & J. Ruth

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  1. L. Janke
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  2. C. Czaderski
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  3. M. Motavalli
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  4. J. Ruth
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Editorial note Empa is a RILEM Titular Member.

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Janke, L., Czaderski, C., Motavalli, M. et al. Applications of shape memory alloys in civil engineering structures—Overview, limits and new ideas. Mat. Struct. 38, 578–592 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02479550

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