Abstract
In this study, a base isolation device using pseudoelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) wires is developed. A base isolation device using softening spring restricts acceleration transmission from the source of vibration so that pseudoelastic SMAs, which have origin-oriented hysteretic restoring forces, are utilized as softening springs rather than damping materials. Two SMA wires used in the spring are arranged as they are buckled when the spring are subjected to a load. Therefore, the spring's restoring force shows remarkable softening characteristic due to material and geometric nonlinearity. Furthermore, base isolation effect based on acceleration transmissibiliry is investigated experimentally and analytically.
