Active Connectors For Components Of Carbon Reinforced Concrete - Development Of A Compact Connector Made Of Thermal Shape Memory Alloys

The implementation of a modular, prefabricated construction method as well as the extensive use of lightweight elements made of carbon or textile reinforced concrete requires new types of connection elements. Component parts made of carbon reinforced concrete can be made much slimmer than comparable reinforced concrete elements. In addition to the geometric conditions for the connection of such thin-walled carbon reinforced concrete components, the force transmission in such thin elements creates great challenges for the planner and the executing staff. In connection with the simplest possible assembly on the construction site, these seem to be insurmountable hurdles. As part of a research project, new and innovative connections that work on the basis of shape memory alloys (SMA) were developed for this specific application. The newly developed connection concepts aim to significantly simplify assembly on the construction site. By using memory steel as an active connection element, mechanical accessibility for connection can be dispensed with. In this article the primary field of application of the SMA connectors as well as the first concepts and developments are shown.