Performance-Based Seismic Retrofitting Using Smart Materials Shape Memory Alloys and Magnetorheological Dampers

This study investigates the effectiveness of performance-based seismic retrofitting using smart materials-specifically Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) and Magnetorheological (MR) dampers-in enhancing the seismic resilience of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures. A comprehensive methodological framework was employed, combining detailed finite element (FE) simulations using OpenSees with experimental validation on prototype devices. A four-story RC frame building, representative of seismically vulnerable construction typologies, was selected as the case study. Nonlinear time-history analyses were conducted under a suite of scaled ground motions, and the seismic performance of the structure was evaluated in unretrofitted, SMA-retrofitted, MR-damper-retrofitted, and combined SMA+MR configurations. Key performance metrics-including peak interstory drift, residual drift, base shear, and floor acceleration-were systematically analyzed. The results demonstrated that both SMA and MR dampers significantly improved seismic performance, with the combined configuration yielding the greatest enhancements. Peak interstory drifts were reduced by over ۶۰%, and residual drifts were minimized to levels that promote post-earthquake serviceability. The calibration of numerical models against experimental data validated the accuracy of the FE simulations and confirmed the stability and reliability of smart material-based retrofitting systems. The findings underscore the potential of integrating SMAs and MR dampers within a performance-based retrofitting framework to achieve resilient and adaptive seismic design solutions. Recommendations for future research and practical implementation are provided.

Keywords:

Shape Memory Alloys , Magnetorheological Dampers , Performance-Based Seismic Retrofitting , Smart Materials , Nonlinear Time-History Analysis