This study describes the development of innovative connections between steel beams and concrete-filled tube columns that utilize a combination of low-carbon steel and super-elastic shape memory alloy components. The intent is to combine the recentering behavior provided by the shape memory alloys to reduce building damage and residual drift after a major earthquake with the excellent energy dissipation of the low-carbon steel. The analysis and design of structures requires that simple yet accurate models for the connection behavior be developed. The development of a simplified 2D spring connection model for cyclic loads from advanced 3D FE monotonic studies is described. The implementation of those models into non-linear frame analyses indicates hat the recentering systems will provide substantial benefits for smaller earthquakes and superior performance to all-welded moment frames for large earthquakes.

• Hong Min Son(Ph.D, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Incheon National University) | 손홍민
• Roberto T. Leon(Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)
• Jong Wan Hu(Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Incheon National University) | 허종완 Corresponding author