Finite Element Simulation on Seismic Behavior of Composite Shear Wall Systems

Abstract

Composite shear wall (CSW) system consists of a steel boundary frame and a steel panel with a reinforced concrete (RC) panel attached to it using threaded bolts. Finite element (FE) simulations were conducted on two types of the CSW system, namely traditional and innovative CSW system, respectively. For traditional CSW system, the RC panel is in direct contact with the steel boundary frame; while for innovative CSW system, there is a gap in between. FE models were developed and validated using test data. The effects of major parameters, including steel panel thickness, RC panel thickness, and gap between frame and RC panel, were examined using the validated models. The numerical simulations indicated that steel panel thickness significantly affected lateral strength and initial stiffness of both innovative and traditional CSW systems. Although RC panel thickness and gap between frame and RC panel had negligible effects on system strength and stiffness characteristics, they should also be carefully designed to ensure local stability of the steel panel and system ductility.