A new concept of self-centering links using post-tensioned composite tendons consisting of shape memory alloy rods and steel rods is proposed. This new concept is applicable to both short and long links and is able to fully exploit the hysteresis capacity of the used shape memory alloy material. A general scheme for preliminary design of the proposed self-centering links is developed. A typical example is used to verify the proposed concept and its design scheme. A comparison between the example using composite tendons and the previously reported example using pure shape memory alloy tendons is carried out. It is found that the system using composite tendons needs less than half of the shape memory alloy material needed by the system using pure shape memory alloy tendons to possess comparable hysteresis properties meeting the given design demands. The new concept of self-centering links is applied to a typical eccentrically braced frame system to validate its feasibility and advantages in structural systems.
