APPLICATIONS OF SMART MATERIALS IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

With the development of materials and technology, many new materials find their applications in civil engineering to deal with the deteriorating infrastructure. Smart material is a promising example that deserves a wide focus, from research to application. With two crystal structures called Austenite and Martensite under different temperatures, smart material exhibits two special properties different from ordinary steels. One is shape memory, and the other is superelasticity. Both of these two properties can suit varied applications in civil engineering, such as prestress bars, self-rehabilitation, and two-way actuators, etc. One of the main objectives of the research is to investigate the application of smart materials in civil engineering by focusing on the literature review, basic information collection, and basic mechanic properties of smart materials. In axial tension tests, the force-extension curve and stress-strain curve of shape memory and superelasticity materials were measured separately. These curves verify the research of forerunners. Four beam experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of flexure beams with superelasticity material as reinforcement bars. Load-displacement relationship at the midspan, strains on the surface of the concrete beam, and cracking width for different loads were measured. This research is just the first step in the investigation of the application of smart materials in structural engineering. Some bigger beams are prepared for experiments in the near future.

• Record URL:
  http://www.ltrc.lsu.edu/pdf/report_375.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70803

  Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

  1201 Capitol Access Road, P.O. Box 94245
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70804-9245

  Louisiana Transportation Research Center

  4101 Gourrier Avenue
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70808
• Authors:
  • Cai, C S
  • WU, W
  • Chen, Shuangwu
  • Voyiadjis, G
• Publication Date: 2003-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 71 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Austenite; Beams; Civil engineering; Concrete; Cracking; Dislocation (Geology); Flexure; Loads; Mechanical properties; Reinforcing bars; Smart materials; Strain (Mechanics); Structural engineering
• Uncontrolled Terms: Martensite; Shape memory; Superelasticity
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00965891
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: LRTC Project No. 02-4TIRE, State PN 736-99-1055, Final Report
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Nov 7 2004 12:00AM