Numerical response prediction of full-scale concrete walls subjected to simulated in-plane seismic loading

Abstract

Robust numerical predictions of the response of concrete shear walls to in-plane earthquake demands are important for the performance evaluation of structures that rely on such elements for their lateral strength and stability. Numerical modeling techniques must balance complexity and accuracy against efficiency and ease of interpretation. Correctly representing in-plane cracking and spalling can also be useful for the assessment of structural and nonstructural systems attached to the walls’ surface. A numerical model capable of representing coupled shear-flexure interaction is selected in this study and validated against tests conducted on three full-scale reinforced concrete walls with varying geometric characteristics. Results are compared at key performance states commonly used in performance-based seismic design to quantify damage. Focus is given to the distribution of the predicted crack pattern to provide insight on the likelihood of the impact of concrete damage on the performance of attachments to the wall face (structural and nonstructural connections). This validation study demonstrates the reasonable predictive capabilities of the selected model in terms of global and local responses. Despite the simplifications of the model, e.g., lack of specific modeling of reinforcement debonding and out-of-plane deformations, an overall reasonable estimation of cracking and damage distribution is observed. This study enhances efforts to provide a more reliable seismic design and performance assessment of reinforced concrete buildings.