• N. Meenalochani
• Ankit Sodha
• Payal Mehta

Bridge piers are among the most vulnerable structural components to seismic excitation, undergoing significant inelastic deformation under cyclic loading. Extensive research demonstrates that conventional bridge piers subjected to prolonged or repeated seismic loading cycles often exhibit high residual deformations, compromising structural integrity and serviceability. Consequently, the application of advanced materials such as Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) has garnered considerable attention in recent years. SMAs are intelligent materials capable of undergoing large deformations while recovering their original shape due to their unique Superelasticity (SE) property. This paper critically evaluates the potential of SMAs to enhance the seismic performance of bridge piers, particularly when integrated into plastic hinge regions. Prior studies emphasize the strategic use of SMA rebars in these critical zones to mitigate residual displacements and improve post-earthquake functionality. Beyond a comprehensive review of existing research, this study validates analytical findings through Finite Element (FE) modeling using ANSYS. Key engineering parameters maximum and residual deformations are assessed via Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) under selected ground motion records. Results are cross-verified with prior experimental and numerical studies, demonstrating strong alignment (90% accuracy in deformation predictions). Future research will extend this methodology to evaluate the seismic performance of SMA-reinforced bridge piers while accounting for Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) effects. The findings aim to advance the adoption of SMAs in earthquake engineering, offering a pathway to resilient infrastructure design and retrofitting. This work underscores the transformative potential of SMAs in reducing post-seismic repair costs and downtime, providing a foundation for standardized design guidelines and broader civil engineering applications.

Bridge Piers, Shape memory alloys, Seismic performance, plastic hinge.

"SEISMIC PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF BRIDGE PIERS REINFORCED WITH SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY REBARS: A FINITE ELEMENT APPROACH", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 12, page no.283-290, December-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRHE06035.pdf

"SEISMIC PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF BRIDGE PIERS REINFORCED WITH SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY REBARS: A FINITE ELEMENT APPROACH", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 12, page no. pp283-290, December-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRHE06035.pdf