In order to reduce the post-earthquake residual displacement of Y-shape eccentrically braced steel frame structure

an innovative link beam with self-centering behavior was proposed.The web of this new link beam was fabricated using the shape memory alloy（SMA）material.The finite element model（FEM）of the SMA link beam was developed using ANSYS software.The hysteretic behavior of the SMA link beam was compared with the traditional link beam.The analytical results indicate that the SMA link beam obtains the flag-shaped hysteretic curve

lateral strength

and initial stiffness.The favorite self-centering behavior of the SMA link beam is also realized.Additionally

a total of sixteen SMA link beams were designed

and the hysteretic behavior was also analyzed and compared.The results show that these related design parameters have little influence on the self-centering behavior of SMA link beams.However

the web thickness and the length of link beam have significantly effects on the shear strength and initial stiffness of SMA link beam.The flange thickness

flange width

flange material

and the space of steel ribs produce slight effects on the shear strength and initial stiffness of SMA link beams except for the post-peak shear strength.