Recent advances in the applications of shape memory alloys in civil infrastructures: A review

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are a new generation of smart materials with the capability of recovering their predefined shape after experiencing a large strain. This is mainly due to the shape memory effects and the superelasticity of SMA. These properties make SMA an excellent alternative to be used in passive, semi-active, and active control systems in civil engineering applications. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the recent developments in the applications of SMA in civil infrastructures, including, steel, concrete, and timber structures. This review reveals the significance of SMA in civil infrastructures particularly, the enhancement of structural behavior and energy dissipation of external excitation, particularly seismic loads. This enhancement is pronounced under loading-unloading process without residual deformation.