An Experimental Study on the Structural Behaviors of HIRC Beams Using Nickel-Titanium SMA Wires

This paper deals with structural behavior of highly intelligent reinforced concrete (hereinafter, HIRC) beams actuated by embedded shape memory alloy wires through an extensive experimental program. The experiments were conducted under the monotonic loading condition. Based on the structural experiments involving HIRC, load-temperature deflection curve, ductility-effective depth, recovery, crack patterns, and failure mode comparison were made for investigative purposes. The results of the experiments confirmed that the ductility, recovery rates, and other properties of the HIRC specimens reinforced with SMA, wire mesh, fiber, and admixtures were superior to those of the unreinforced RCBs. The experimental results indicate that a good recovery rate in the HIRC beams could be obtained when the SMA wires were heated. Accordingly, the SMA wires could be potentially used for structural self-rehabilitation capability and deformation monitoring in architecture and civil structures.