Experimental study on mechanical properties of bolted joints between Fe-SMA and steel plates.

• 15 tests of bolted joints between Fe-SMA and steel plates are carried out. • The reliability of reinforcing steel structures with bolted Fe-SMA is verified. • The key influencing parameters of the bolted joints are obtained. • Some design suggestions on bolted joints between Fe-SMA and steel plates are proposed. The new intelligent material Iron-based Shape Memory Alloy (Fe-SMA) brings novel solutions for the performance rehabilitation of existing steel structures. To fully utilize the potential of the Fe-SMA active prestressed reinforcement, the systematic study of reliable joint is significant. Therefore, the bolted joints between Fe-SMA and steel plates was experimentally studied in this paper, whose reliability and convenience in metal structures have been generally accepted. Firstly, a series of 15 mechanical performance tests of bolted joints between Fe-SMA and steel plates were carried out. The key influencing parameters of the bolted joints were obtained, and different failure modes were observed, which can provide experimental verification for further finite element modelling and theoretical study. Furthermore, the effects of end distance e , edge distance s , bolt diameter d , thickness of Fe-SMA plate t and bolt layout on the ultimate load-bearing capacity, initial stiffness and failure modes of the bolted joints between Fe-SMA and steel plates were discussed, and some specified design suggestions on bolted joints between Fe-SMA and steel plates were proposed. This paper mainly aims to provide the experimental basis and design recommendations for compilation of the relevant specifications, which is expected to advance the scientific application of Fe-SMA in the performance rehabilitation of steel structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]