Iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) for fatigue strengthening of cracked steel bridge connections

Smart iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs) are used in this study to retrofit fatigue-cracked riveted connections in steel bridges. The prestressed strengthening technique is found to be an effective approach to overcome fatigue-related damage in riveted connections. Because of the property of Fe-SMAs known as shape memory effect, these alloys can be prestressed without difficulty. The activated (i.e., prestressed) Fe-SMA strips (two 50-mm...