Material characteristics of TRIP steel with self-diagnosis and application to structural systems

The objective of this paper is to examine experimentally the applicability of a structural health monitoring system employing TRIP (transformation induced plasticity) steels. The capability of TRIP steels in the assessment of structural performance degradation was evaluated through material tests. The magnetic characteristics of TRIP steels under tensile and compressive uniaxial loadings were investigated through the measurement of induced voltage. The stress–strain hysteresis and the associated magnetic alternation of TRIP steels were identified. Furthermore, plate-bending tests and beam-bending tests were carried out in order to study the damage-detection characteristics. As the conclusion, the dual function of TRIP steels, serving as both a high ductility load-carrying member and a sensor to monitor damage accumulation, was confirmed.