SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF SUPERELASTIC BRACING SYSTEMS APPLIED TO STEEL FRAME STRUCTURES

Abstract

Bracing systems have emerged as an effective solution for enhancing the resilience of steel frame structures under dynamic loads. Conventional steel bracings dissipate energy through bilinear hysteresis responses, ensuring structural safety but often resulting in significant residual displacements after strong earthquake impacts that necessitate costly maintenance and repairs. Shape memory alloys (SMAs), particularly superelastic alloys, have drawn interest due to their potential for both energy dissipation and self-centering capabilities. This study explores the use of SMA-based superelastic bracing systems in steel frame structures subject to seismic loading. Using nonlinear time-history analyses performed in ETABS, the study investigates the comparative response of conventional and superelastic bracing systems. The findings of this research suggest that SMA-based bracing systems may offer advantages in reducing column demands and residual displacements, indicating potential for further development in seismic design applications.