Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 121123 |
| Journal | Engineering structures |
| Volume | 343 |
| Early online date | 8 Aug 2025 |
| Publication status | Published - 15 Nov 2025 |
Abstract
Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have emerged as innovative materials for strengthening of steel structures. They possess the unique ability to generate prestress through the shape memory effect (SME), eliminating the need for supplementary tensioning equipment. This study presents a state-of-the-art review on SMAs for prestressed strengthening of steel structures. The material properties of SMAs are comprehensively summarized and analyzed. The connection methods of SMAs in strengthening strategies are systematically discussed. Subsequently, from the perspectives of strengthening effectiveness and material cost, the study conducts an in-depth comparative evaluation on various strengthening methods, including the use of iron-based SMAs (Fe-SMAs), nickel-titanium-based SMAs (NiTi-SMAs), and their composite patches that composed of SMAs and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials. Finally, based on a comprehensive review of existing studies, critical challenges and research gaps are identified, as well as recommendations for future investigations are proposed. This study extends the understanding of SMA materials for prestressed strengthening of steel structures and provides some useful suggestions for the repair scheme.
Keywords
- Lifetime extension, Prestressed strengthening, Shape memory alloys (SMAs), Shape memory effect (SME), Steel structure, Structural repair
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Engineering(all)
- Civil and Structural Engineering
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In: Engineering structures, Vol. 343, 121123, 15.11.2025.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Shape memory alloys for prestressed strengthening of steel structures
T2 - A review
AU - Yu, Qian Qian
AU - Bian, Zhi Ning
AU - Ghafoori, Elyas
AU - Wang, Sizhe
AU - Zhang, Wei-Ping
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2025
PY - 2025/11/15
Y1 - 2025/11/15
N2 - Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have emerged as innovative materials for strengthening of steel structures. They possess the unique ability to generate prestress through the shape memory effect (SME), eliminating the need for supplementary tensioning equipment. This study presents a state-of-the-art review on SMAs for prestressed strengthening of steel structures. The material properties of SMAs are comprehensively summarized and analyzed. The connection methods of SMAs in strengthening strategies are systematically discussed. Subsequently, from the perspectives of strengthening effectiveness and material cost, the study conducts an in-depth comparative evaluation on various strengthening methods, including the use of iron-based SMAs (Fe-SMAs), nickel-titanium-based SMAs (NiTi-SMAs), and their composite patches that composed of SMAs and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials. Finally, based on a comprehensive review of existing studies, critical challenges and research gaps are identified, as well as recommendations for future investigations are proposed. This study extends the understanding of SMA materials for prestressed strengthening of steel structures and provides some useful suggestions for the repair scheme.
AB - Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have emerged as innovative materials for strengthening of steel structures. They possess the unique ability to generate prestress through the shape memory effect (SME), eliminating the need for supplementary tensioning equipment. This study presents a state-of-the-art review on SMAs for prestressed strengthening of steel structures. The material properties of SMAs are comprehensively summarized and analyzed. The connection methods of SMAs in strengthening strategies are systematically discussed. Subsequently, from the perspectives of strengthening effectiveness and material cost, the study conducts an in-depth comparative evaluation on various strengthening methods, including the use of iron-based SMAs (Fe-SMAs), nickel-titanium-based SMAs (NiTi-SMAs), and their composite patches that composed of SMAs and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials. Finally, based on a comprehensive review of existing studies, critical challenges and research gaps are identified, as well as recommendations for future investigations are proposed. This study extends the understanding of SMA materials for prestressed strengthening of steel structures and provides some useful suggestions for the repair scheme.
KW - Lifetime extension
KW - Prestressed strengthening
KW - Shape memory alloys (SMAs)
KW - Shape memory effect (SME)
KW - Steel structure
KW - Structural repair
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105012729316&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121123
DO - 10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121123
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:105012729316
VL - 343
JO - Engineering structures
JF - Engineering structures
SN - 0141-0296
M1 - 121123
ER -