The Use of Shape Memory Alloys to Enhance the Behaviour of Framed Concrete Structures

The School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering has seen 100% of its research impact rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, underlining the wide-ranging positive impacts that our research has on the world (REF, 2021).

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career. Find out more.

The School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering aims to be the world’s leading integrated centre for built environment research and education, attending to the entire lifecycle of both buildings and infrastructure through our research, teaching and enterprise programmes.

Project Details

When concrete structures are exposed to severe loading, for example in an earthquake, steel rebars develop large plastic strains well beyond their elastic limit. As a result, at the end of the seismic load, most structures may become severely damaged compromising the safety of emergency services and may end up permanently deformed which makes them unfit for reuse.

The use of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) bars to selectively replace steel reinforcement within the beam-column joints of a concrete building could result in resilient smart structures capable of recovering from severe deformations. Unlike traditional steel rebars, SMA bars are superelastic, that is, they can recover from large strains without developing significant permanent deformations. Therefore, its use to reinforce RC joints should significantly improve the ductility and resilience of the structure.

The aim of this research is to investigate the main factors that influence modes of failure of concrete structures reinforced with SMA bars and subject to cyclic and monotonic loading, and to determine the role played by bond slippage in causing failure.

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject. Applicants having a background in subjects related to modelling reinforced concrete structures using FE techniques are particularly welcomed. A relevant master’s degree and/or employment experience will be an advantage.

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

How to Apply

Applications should be made online and must include an outline research proposal. Under programme name, please select 'Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering'. Please quote the advertised reference number in your application: ABCE22/JE1.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.