numerical modeling of concrete beams strengthened by ironbased shape memory alloys embedded in a shotcrete layer

shape memory alloys are a group of materials which, due to their unique features such as shape memory effect and pseudo-elasticity, have been widely used in civil engineering applications like active and passive control of structures, sensing and actuating, and strengthening rc structures. iron-based shape memory alloys have gained extensive attention during recent years. the aim of this paper is to model and analyze the behavior of rc beams strengthened and pre-stressed with a special class of these alloys invented at empa laboratories in switzerland. by using this method of pre-stressing, there are no friction losses and no space is required for hydraulic jacks. finite element analyses have been performed on the 3d beam models in the commercial finite element code abaqus, employing the concrete damaged plasticity model to predict the load – displacement response of the beams. results of the finite element analysis agreed well with the experimental data in terms of the cracking load and the ultimate load capacity of the beams.