Development of a shape memory alloy damper for intelligent bridge systems

The application of intelligent materials with self-repairable and self-diagnosis functions will provide more efficient and effective earthquake protective system to bridge structures. Shape memory alloys are possible candidates of intelligent materials that are applicable to bridge structures. The damping device made of shape memory alloys was proposed in this paper. The damping device that was simple Nitinol plate can absorb seismic energy and reduce the seismic force by its pseudo yield effect. This study focuses on the damping enhancement effect of the device to bridge structures. A series of shaking table test was carried out in order to verify the damping enhancement effect under earthquake type excitations. As a result of this study, it is found that the Nitinol plate damping enhancement device can reduce the seismic response of the bridge structures and can perform its function more efficient and effective when in shape memory phase.