The Influence of the Shape Memory Alloys on Concrete Shear Wall with Eccentric Openings

Abstract

Seismic loading is crucial in seismically vulnerable nations, and neglecting it can result in catastrophic harm to both structural and non-structural components. Columns, beams, and walls will grow in size and weight due to employing a structure's elastic ability to dissipate seismic energy, which will also raise the cost of construction. Shear walls are frequently employed due to their effective behavior under seismic loads and a strong capacity for energy dissipation. Sometimes, it is unavoidable to prevent openings in shear walls for architectural reasons. Due to load concentration in the vicinity of voids, providing sufficient ductility in these shear walls is challenging. Plastic deformations render the constructions unusable, which is another issue with shear walls. Researchers are paying more and more attention to the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) as reinforcing bars in concrete buildings. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of using superelastic Nitinol (NiTi) and Fe-based (FeMnAlNi) SMAs in a concrete shear wall to reduce residual displacement. One shear wall model without SMA was created with OpenSees finite element software to verify this analysis's integrity. Secondly, the steel rebar was partially replaced with different types of SMA in critical locations. Results indicated that utilization of superelastic alloys would result in a significant reduction of residual displacement. Additionally, a slight change in the shear wall's dissipated energy is observed compared to the shear walls without SMA.