Use of shape-memory alloys in construction: a critical review

Shape-memory alloys are known to have two unique characteristics: a shape-memory effect and superelasticity. The shape-memory effect is the ability of the alloys to revert to their initial shape upon being heated until they enter their phase transformation temperature. Superelasticity is where the alloys exhibit comparatively large recoverable strain. Different families of shape-memory alloys have different suitable applications due to their different ranges of transformation temperature, as depicted in Figure 1 (Omori et al., 2011). For example, aluminium–manganese and iron–nickel– cobalt–aluminium shape-memory alloys are suitable for seismic application as their working temperatures cover the range of –50°C to 50°C. Different families of shape-memory alloys have different advantages and disadvantages. Shape-memory alloys have been developed since the early 1960s. They have been successfully used for medical (Bansiddhi et al., 2008; Morgan, 2004; Sun et al., 2012), robotic (Kim et al., 2006; Qin et al., 2004; Wang et al., 2008), aerospace (Hartl and Lagoudas, 2007; Hartl et al., 2010a, 2010b) and automobile applications (Bellini et al., 2009; Stoeckel, 1990). This paper provides an overview on how shape-memory alloys can be used in buildings and infrastructure. Use of shape-memory alloys in construction: a critical review