Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Shape Memory Alloy on a Connection Equipped with Slit Damper

Purpose The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dampers equipped with shape memory alloys where steel connections equipped with slit dampers were used. For this purpose, 16 models equipped with SMA dampers were developed, SMA dampers have different lengths and stiffness. Methods In this study, application of SMAs as dampers is investigated to improve the seismic behavior of slit dampers. This study is to evaluate the effects of superelastic Nitinol damper on the seismic behavior of the slit system using Abaqus finite element software to verify and analyze the numerical models. Results Increasing the stiffness in SMA dampers resulted in yield moment and its equivalent rotation in the system. The longer the SMA damper length, the greater the yield moment. Increasing the length and stiffness of the shape memory alloy significantly reduces the permanent rotation of the connections. It can be almost concluded that increasing the length of the SMA in the damper slightly reduces the permanent deformation. The installation of SMA dampers in the models has reduced the energy dissipation capacity. This reduction is different in different models. Conclusion In fact, in models in which SMA dampers were embedded, the percentage of reduction in permanent deformation was greater than the percentage of reduction in energy dissipation.