Mechanical modeling of superelastic tensegrity braces for earthquake-proof structures

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of superelastic tensegrity braces with shape memory alloys as lightweight, energy-dissipating seismic reinforcements, showing they outperform traditional dampers in earthquake resistance.

Contribution

It introduces a novel tensegrity-based seismic brace system utilizing shape memory alloys, demonstrating enhanced energy dissipation and large deformation capabilities.

Findings

Tensegrity braces with SMA cables amplify displacements for high energy dissipation.

Compared to fluid dampers, tensegrity braces show superior seismic response.

D-bar units serve as effective building blocks for innovative seismic bracing systems.

Abstract

This paper presents a novel application of tensegrity systems as lightweight and noninvasive braces for seismically resistant structures. The analyzed braces consist of D-bar systems equipped with shape memory alloy cables with superelastic response. These structures are able to markedly amplify the applied longitudinal displacements in the transverse direction, thus allowing for considerably large deformations of the SMA cables and high energy dissipation. The mechanics and the application of tensegrity braces for the reinforcement of anti-seismic structures are presented. A comparative study matches the seismic response of the analyzed systems with that of devices employing fluid viscous dampers. The results highlight the fact that D-bar units can be profitably employed as building blocks for innovative bracing systems, whose energy dissipation properties can easily surpass those of conventional anti-seismic braces.