Surface Treatment and Debonding Failure Mechanisms in Iron-based SMA Connections

Prestressed iron-based SMA can be used to reinforce and repair ageing steel structures subjected to cyclic loads. In particular, bonding SMA to the existing steel structure can lead to beneficial prestressing and load transfer. However, limited studies have been conducted on the proper surface treatment prior to bonding and on the failure mechanisms of the adhesive in this bonded joint. For this reason, this project aims to characterize the fracture toughness of the bonded joints considering proper surface preparation. The understanding and correct analysis of the mixed-mode fracture is of crucial importance and will be investigated. A further aim is to develop and validate a numerical framework for this purpose.