Smart Materials & Shape Memory Alloys
Shape memory alloys and other smart materials that let structures self-centre and resist damage during earthquakes.
Overview
Shape memory alloys (SMAs) can undergo large deformations and then recover their original shape, giving structures the ability to re-centre and limit residual damage after strong shaking. ALAMS develops SMA-based materials, devices, and structural systems — together with the design methods to apply them — for more resilient buildings and bridges.
Focus areas
Energy-dissipating SMA devices
Dampers and energy-dissipation devices built around shape memory alloys to absorb seismic energy and protect structures.
SMA–FRP & wire-mesh isolation bearings
Novel isolation bearings that combine SMA with fibre-reinforced polymers and wire mesh for self-centring seismic isolation.
SMA–steel hybrid bridge piers
Hollow-tube bridge piers pairing SMA with steel for re-centring capacity and reduced residual displacement after earthquakes.
SMA bracing for steel moment frames
Optimized SMA bracing systems for retrofitting existing steel moment frames to improve their seismic performance.
How we work
Experimental testing
Characterize materials and prototype devices in the lab.
Numerical simulation
Model behaviour and predict structural response.
Device development
Turn concepts into buildable, patentable systems.
Design guidelines
Translate findings into practical design methods.
Explore more
See how this area connects to our publications, the team, and the rest of the group’s research.