Innovative Hybrid Bracing Systems for Enhancing Infrastructure Resilience

大量的市政基础设施状况糟糕。因此，需要立即对基础设施采取必要行动，因为在今后5至10年内必须修复或更换这些资产，以确保其提供的服务继续满足社区的期望。更大比例的市政基础设施被认为状况良好，需要在中期和长期内予以关注和实施程序。加拿大和美国发布的基础设施报告反映了我们现有基础设施的脆弱性。因此，必须立即采取措施，开发创新、低成本和可靠的建筑和改造解决方案，以解决当前的情况。除了建筑物设计、使用、使用年限和建筑材料所固有的风险外，在许多情况下，地震以外的灾害也可能使建筑物处于危险之中，从技术故障到恶劣天气。强风、冻雨和大雪荷载以及其他环境条件可能会对现有结构施加应力。虽然这些事件中的大多数可能不会导致倒塌，但这些极端事件可能超过建筑规范中规定的适用性阈值。它们可能导致功能丧失以及非结构性损坏。拟议的研究计划旨在通过结构系统的创新和将知识转化为实践来减少整体脆弱性。拟议的研究将开发创新的混合侧向力抵抗系统。超弹性形状记忆合金（SMA）将与常规加固材料一起沿着用于开发自定心支撑装置，该装置可以帮助结构在横向载荷后恢复其直立位置。此外，还将使用其他智能材料，如摩擦弹簧（FS）和聚氨酯。通过在这些混合器件中采用两种或更多种材料来开发不同的组合，以实现更好的性能。组件测试将在不同的负载条件下进行。根据实验测试和结果，将进一步完善数值模型，并进行广泛的动态模拟。将调查响应修改因素，并进行脆弱性评估。这项研究将有助于加拿大满足对智能结构的需求，并培训开发此类结构及其部件的高素质人员。这将为基础设施行业提供固有的可持续性和吸收极端负荷事件后果的能力。这项研究的意义是至关重要的，因为它确保改善安全和保障，防止各种不同程度的危害，并将导致加拿大的基础设施及其管理的可持续解决方案。

A concerning volume of municipal infrastructure is in deplorable condition. Thus, infrastructure requires immediate and necessary action, as the rehabilitation or replacement of these assets is essential in the following 5-10 years to ensure that the services it provides continue to meet the community's expectations. An even larger proportion of municipal infrastructure is considered in fair condition, requiring attention and procedures to be implemented in the medium and long term. Infrastructure reports published in Canada and the US reflects the vulnerability of our existing infrastructure. Hence, it is imperative to take immediate measures to develop innovative, low-cost, and reliable construction and retrofitting solutions for addressing the current situation. Apart from the risks inherent to building design, use, age and construction material, there are many instances where hazards other than earthquakes may put buildings at risk, ranging from technical failures to severe weather. High winds, freezing rain and heavy snow loads, and other environmental conditions may impose stresses on existing structures. Although most of these events may not result in a collapse, these extreme events could exceed the threshold defined in the Building Code in terms of serviceability. They may result in the loss of functionality as well as non-structural damages. The proposed research program aims to reduce overall vulnerability through innovations in structural systems and the transfer of knowledge to practice. The proposed research will develop innovative hybrid lateral force resisting systems. Super-elastic Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) will be utilized along with regular reinforcement materials for developing self-centring bracing devices that can help structure bring back to its upright position after lateral loads. In addition, other smart materials will be utilized, such as Friction Springs (FS) and Polyurethane. Different combinations will be developed by employing two or more materials in these hybrid devices to achieve better performance. Component testing will be carried out under different loading conditions. Based on the experimental testing and results, the numerical models will be further refined, and extensive dynamic simulations will be conducted. Response modification factors will be investigated, and vulnerability assessment will be conducted. This research will help Canada to meet the need for smart structures and train high quality personnel on the development of such structures and their components. This will provide the infrastructure industry with inherent sustainability and ability to absorb the consequences of extreme load events. The significance of this research is paramount as it ensures improved safety and security against a variety of hazards of different magnitudes and will lead Canada to a sustainable solution for infrastructure and its management.