Shape memory alloy reinforcement for strengthening and self-centering of concrete structures—State of the art

The degradation of reinforced concrete (RC) structural components owing to aging mechanisms and extreme loading events can cause significant performance safety concerns. Among the available alternatives for restoring such components, shape memory alloys (SMAs) exhibit unique properties, including recovery inelastic strain upon unloading (superelasticity) and/or heating (shape effect, SME). Particularly, superelasticity SME SMAs be applied reduce permanent deformations incorporate self-centering behavior into RC structures. Furthermore, addition enhance strength stiffness structures, enabling them resist high load intensities with less damage. Despite variety investigations conducted on applications SMAs, existing literature lacks a holistic review current progress, main findings, potential limitations, future prospects strengthening structures design new ones. comprehensive guidance is missing selecting SMA types characteristics most suitable particular strengthening/self-centering application. To address identified fundamental practical gaps, we performed detailed in beams, columns, beam-column joints, shear walls. were explored from perspective self-centering, crack recovery, enhancement, confinement, A critical advantages disadvantages then provided, especially comparison conventional materials methods. This concludes identification challenges associated using opportunities that arise proper use SMAs.