Integrated Health Monitoring and Reinforcement of Transportation Structures with Optimized Low-Cost Multifunctional Braided Cables

Shape memory alloy (SMAs) can produce large recoverable deformations triggered by stress in a response known as superelasticity. This response has been shown to limit the damage sustained by the structure from an adverse event such as earthquakes, and have been considered in a range of civil engineering applications. Through a combined approach of structural optimization and materials design, this research aims at simultaneously achieving advantageous mechanical properties and self-monitoring capabilities in a single material for transportation structures. Therefore, the objective of this collaborative research is to design, fabricate, and characterize multifunctional high strength and self-sensing braided cables structures using novel iron-based SMAs. The system will exploit unique properties of recently developed low-cost superelastic FeMnAlNi SMAs, which enables excellent superelastic properties, high strength, and self-sensing in structural health monitoring. At the conclusion of the technical portion of the project, the researchers are expected to demonstrate a braided iron-based SMA cable capable of sustaining higher stress and greater elongation before yielding than conventional high strength steel cables of an identical geometry. For the implementation phase of the project, the authors will show that the strain in the braided Fe-SMA cable directly correlates with changes in its magnetic response, and can be converted into structural deflections using simple instruments. Additionally, the project will define a viable path for technology transfer by establishing substantive partnerships with commercial alloy manufacturers, and cultivate the awareness and expertise in the technology through workforce development and outreach activities.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • 17STTAM04

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $188000
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747106

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Transportation Consortium of South-Central States (Tran-SET)

  Louisiana State University
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70803
• Project Managers:

  Karaman, Ibrahim

• Performing Organizations:

  Texas A&M University, College Station

  Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
  1470 William D. Fitch Parkway
  College Station, TX  United States  77845
• Principal Investigators:

  Karaman, Ibrahim

  Hartl, Darren

• Start Date: 20170508
• Expected Completion Date: 20181108
• Actual Completion Date: 20181108
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alloys; Bridge cables; Civil engineering; Deformation; High strength steel; Mechanical properties; Structural health monitoring
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01635005
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Consortium of South-Central States (Tran-SET)
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747106
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: May 21 2017 10:07AM