This study suggests the utilization of heat of hydration of concrete to activate the shape memory effect (SME) of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires embedded in concrete and produce recovery and residual stress on the wires. This method is more convenient than the previous electronic resistance heating. For the purpose, this study prepares NiTiNb SMA wires that show appropriate temperature window for the use of heat of hydration. Axial compressive tests of concrete cylinders confined by the NiTiNb SMA wire jackets are used to prove that the utilization of heat of hydration is valid to generate recovery and residual stress in the SMA wires. The confined cylinders show increased peak strengths and much larger failure strains than those of the plain concrete. The general behavior of the SMA wire-confined specimens in this study is similar to that of specimens heated by electronic heating jacket. Also, this study explains two examples for the utilization of heat of hydration for the SME in reinforced concrete beams and columns.