Application and potential of shape memory alloys for dowel-type connections in timber structures

ABSTRACT

The present study aims at identifying and analyzing challenges and prospects related to the use of pseudoelastic shape memory alloys for well-established double shear connections in timber engineering. The unique behavior of shape memory alloys will allow to bear large reversible deformations without loss of cohesion. Thereby, the main objective of the present work is to study the behavior of a connection that is able to stay completely reversible even upon very large deformations. In this context, the stiffness of the connection as well as functional and structural integrity and damping behavior have been improved by stepwise adaption of the detailing. Proof of concept is provided, and current limitations are discussed, based on the application of bolts made from a commercially available shape memory alloy.

KEYWORDS:

• Timber-to-timber connections
• double shear connections
• shape memory alloys
• energy dissipation
• damping properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Financial support by University of Kassel within the SmartCon framework is gratefully acknowledged. Universität Kassel, Förderprogramm zur weiteren Profilbildung der Universität 2017 – 2022, Programmlinie “Zukunft”: Zukunftsprojekt “SMARTCON” (Shape Memory Alloys Research for Technology of Construction).