A macro model of shear walls for push-over analysis

Abstract

Reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls are the main components of high-rise building structures to resist lateral loads. A finite-element-based macro model of shear walls has been developed for push-over analysis of RC high-rise building structures. The model consists of two types of element: an RC column element, used to model boundary zones, and an RC membrane element, used to model webs. The stiffness matrices of both elements have been derived. The validity of the newly developed model has been verified by experimental results for nine shear wall specimens. The flexural behaviour of shear walls subjected to axial and lateral loads has been studied by performing push-over analysis adopting the new model. The results show that axial load ratio, boundary zone length ratio and boundary zone confinement index have the most significant influence on the load-carrying capacity and deformation capacity of shear walls. It is concluded that a shear wall with a specified axial load ratio should have a minimum boundary zone length ratio and a minimum boundary zone confinement index in order to develop a target deformation capacity.