Internal and External Reinforcement of Concrete Members by Use of Shape Memory Alloy and Fiber Reinforced Polymers under Cyclic Loading—A Review

This paper presents a review of recent studies on reinforced concrete (RC) structural components, such as beam-column joints (BCJs). These members are internally or externally reinforced with corrosion free shape memory alloy (SMA), fiber reinforced polymers (FRP), or a combination of the two materials. Bonded FRP sheets or near surface mounted (NSM) FRP bars are used in external strengthening cases. The use of FRP and SMA materials in RC structures can offer great potential benefits including lifetime cost saving, durability, safety, and post-earthquake serviceability for RC structures. Although FRP materials are well known for their corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratios, ease of application, and constructability; SMA materials as reinforcement allow the structures to regain their original shape after the termination of the load without any permanent large residual deformation. In summary, the presented literature review provides an insight into the ongoing research on the use of these materials for retrofitting or strengthening of RC structural components and the trends for future research in this area. The cost and durability are also discussed.