Recent earthquake damage has exposed the vulnerability of existing structures to strong ground movement. At the Georgia Institute of Technology, researchers are analyzing shape-memory alloys for their potential use in constructing seismic-resistant structures.
Georgia Tech researchers have developed a model that combines thermodynamics and mechanical equations to assess what happens when shape-memory alloys are subjected to loading from strong motion. The researchers are using the model to analyze how shape-memory alloys in a variety of components — cables, bars, plates and helical springs — respond to different loading conditions. From that information, they can determine the optimal characteristics of the material for earthquake applications.
Also: See how machine vision aids earthquake retrofit studies.
