Shape memory alloys for seismic response control

There have been considerable research efforts in seismic response control for the past several decades. Super elastic nitinol is found to be very effective for passive vibration control, as it can sustain large amounts of inelastic deformation and recover that deformation at the end of the process with good energy dissipation compared to regular metallic materials. These properties make them suitable for accomplishing the objectives of aseismic standards, yet to be practiced in India. In order to find the particular properties of NiTi alloys in structural application, an experimental investigation has been conducted. The paper seeks the suitability of this material for structural applications especially earthquake risk reduction. Protection of structures from damage during earthquakes can be addressed using passive protection devices designed to have maximum energy dissipation capacity with re-centering capabilities. Based on the study carried out passive energy dissipation devices were developed. The paper discusses various tests conducted on Nitinol wires to evaluate the possibility of using them as an energy dissipating material with re-centering capabilities. Devices were designed, developed and fabricated in Structural Engineering Research Centre and the same were tested to prove their efficacy.