Seismic performance of flanged RC walls under biaxial cyclic loading

Abstract

Flanged RC walls are frequently utilized to provide strength and stiffness in two horizontal directions, yet the coupling of the bidirectional horizontal components of ground motion are bound to have large impact on the seismic response of flanged walls. However, few data exist characterizing the performance of flanged walls subjected to biaxial cyclic loading. Aiming to provide an insight into the influence of the biaxial coupling effect on the seismic behavior of flanged RC walls, three T-shaped and two L-shaped walls were tested under uniaxial and biaxial loading. Subsequently, a finite element model was employed for parametric studies and generating numerical data for a detailed comparison of the seismic performance of the flanged walls under uniaxial and biaxial loading. The results showed that the coupling of alternating loadings in orthogonal directions intensified the cracking and damage of flanged walls, resulting in the reduction of the bearing and deformation capacities, an increase in the proportion of flexural deformation in the plastic hinge area, acceleration of the energy dissipation process, and a more significant shear lag effect as opposed to uniaxial loading. Furthermore, the damage aggravation as well as reduction in seismic performance of L-shaped wall due to the biaxial coupling effect were more obvious than that of T-shaped wall. Based on the test and numerical results, the reduction of the ultimate inter-story drift ratio caused by biaxial loading was quantified through statistical analysis and the derived reduction factors can provide reference for the performance-based seismic design and anti-collapse design of flanged RC walls under multi-dimensional seismic action.