Experimental study of non-circular concrete elements actively confined with shape memory alloy wires

This study focuses on developing a novel scheme for applying external active confinement to non-circular concrete elements that lack ductility using shape memory alloys (SMAs). A total of 13 concrete elements (prisms) are tested under monotonic and cyclic uniaxial compression load. The compressive stress–strain relationships of the SMA confined concrete elements are examined and compared with the behaviors of elements confined with conventional glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) jackets. The results clearly show a significant improvement in the ultimate strain and residual (post-peak) strength of concrete elements actively confined with SMA compared to that of GFRP confined elements.