Comparison of the Nonlinear-Static analysis of a Frame Composite Multi-Storey Building with Steel Bracing and Smart SMA Bracing

In this paper the effect of the distinctive properties of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) ―the ability to undergo large deformation and restore it after stress removal‖ has been studied to see to what degree it may affect the structural performance of multi-storey tall buildings. Using ANSYS software, two 3D Finite Element (FE) models are built for a composite multi-storey building (20 story) which is resistant to lateral loads by bracing system. One of them is with steel bracing and the other is with SMA bracing. Both models take into account nonlinear material properties of elements and geometric nonlinearity. The model with SMA material shows improved performance compared with the model of steel bracing in terms of residual deformations and ductile performance.