Seismic response of steel braced frames equipped with shape memory alloy-based hybrid devices

This paper highlights the role of innovative vibration control system based on two promising properties in a parallel configuration. Hybrid device consists of two main components; recentering wires of shape memory alloy (SMA) and steel pipe section as an energy dissipater element. This approach concentrates damage in the steel pipe and prevents the main structural members from yielding. By regulation of the main adjustable design parameter, an optimum performance of the device is obtained. The effectiveness of the device in passive control of structures is evaluated through nonlinear time history analyses of a five-story steel frame with and without the hybrid device. Comparing the results proves that the hybrid device has a considerable potential to mitigate the residual drift ratio, peak absolute acceleration and peak interstory drift of the structure.