Developing Solutions Based on Shape Memory Alloys for Historical Constructions

Abstract

The superelastic properties of Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) can be used to improve the thermal and seismic behavior of steel tie-rods, which are often used in historical constructions. In this paper, a device prototype based on SMAs is presented, whose performances have been assessed through extensive experimental tests in thermal chamber and shaking table tests on reduced-scale testing models. The functioning principles of the device and the main steps for its implementation are first illustrated. The experimental behavior of the device is then examined. Finally, a recent example of application of the proposed technology to a historic single-aisle church, realized in the 13th century in Brindisi (southern Italy), and equipped with inadequate and deteriorated steel tied rods, is shown.