journal article·2025-11-12Open access

Seismic Performance of Self-Centering Prestressed Steel Frame Joints Based on Shape Memory Alloys

Yutao Feng, Weibin Li

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 22

Abstract

Self-centering structures have emerged as a promising seismic design solution, offering advantages in structural safety, rapid post-earthquake functionality recovery, and life-cycle economy. This paper introduces a self-centering beam–column joint that integrates superelastic shape memory alloys (SMAs) and prestressed steel tendons as restoring components. A numerical model was developed in OpenSees and validated against experimental results, with discrepancies in residual deformation within 10%. The validated model was used for parametric studies on strand area, prestress, and SMA configuration. The results show that the proposed joint sustains a maximum drift of 6% while maintaining nearly zero residual drift (less than 0.2%), and its hysteresis curve exhibits a stable flag-shaped pattern. The equivalent viscous damping ratio exceeds 0.1, confirming excellent deformation and energy dissipation capacities. These findings highlight the joint’s potential for application in seismic-resilient steel frames.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Seismic Performance and Analysis · Vibration Control and Rheological Fluids · Wave and Wind Energy Systems

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Affiliations

Key Laboratory of Concrete and Pre-stressed Concrete Structures of Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China

Funding

The National Natural Science Foundation of China · Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions

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