Analysis of extended end plate connection equipped with SMA bolts using component method

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are new materials used in various fields of science and engineering, one of which is civil engineering. Owing to their distinguished capabilities such as super elasticity, energy dissipation, and tolerating cyclic deformations, these materials have been of interest to engineers. On the other hand, the connections of a steel structure are of paramount importance because of their vulnerabilities during an earthquake. Therefore, it is indispensable to find approaches to augment the efficiency and safety of the connection. This research investigates the behavior of steel connections with extended end plates equipped hybridly with 8 rows of high strength bolts as well as Nitinol superelastic SMA bolts. The connections are studied using component method in dual form. In this method, the components affecting the connections behavior, such as beam flange, beam web, column web, extended end plate, and bolts are considered as parallel and series springs according to the Euro-Code3. Then, the nonlinear force- displacement response of the connection is presented in the form of moment-rotation curve. The results obtained from this survey demonstrate that the connection has ductility, in addition to its high strength, due to high ductility of SMA bolts.