Análisis paramétrico y optimización del comportamiento estructural de columnas reforzadas con Shape Memory Alloys (SMA)

Abstract

Shear reinforcement is of utmost importance in structural elements such as columns, as it helps prevent brittle failures that could compromise the structural integrity of buildings, especially in seismic zones where such failures are more common. Currently, commonly used techniques are invasive and difficult to apply, requiring the building to be taken out of service during the reinforcement process. However, innovative techniques, such as reinforcement with iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMA), are being researched. These offer significant advantages, such as generating precompression without external loads, greater resistance to dynamic loads, durability, ductility, corrosion protection, and lower implementation costs. In this project, the influence of prestress variation and the number of reinforcement bars was analyzed to determine the structural performance of columns reinforced with FeSMA. A parametric analysis was performed using finite element models, which were calibrated with experimental results. The application of reinforcement through heat-activated prestress resulted in significant improvements in shear performance, achieving higher peak loads, controlling cracking, preventing brittle failures, and contributing to the resilience of buildings. In summary, it was demonstrated that Fe-SMAs are a promising technique for reinforcing shear-critical concrete elements, thanks to their self-prestressing effect, which significantly enhances load capacity and allows for non-destructive reinforcement with excellent structural performance, extending the building's service life. Keywords: Fe-SMA, Shear Reinforcement, Numerical Modeling, Parametric Analysis