Study of a New Macro-Finite Element Model for Seismic Performance of RC Shear Walls Using Quasi-Static Experiments

Abstract

Quasi-static tests are described of nine reinforced concrete (R/C) shear walls under cyclic lateral loading. The relationship between force and displacement is obtained to verify the macro-finite element model for R/C shear wall presented. The corresponding formulations for this model are given. By comparing the failure process and behaviour of the wall specimens under different axial compression ratios (the axial compression ratio is equal to the vertical load divided by the product of the concrete design compressive strength and the section area) and shear-span ratios, with the analyses of test and hysteretic curves, it can be concluded that with the increase of axial compression ratio to some extent, the bearing capacity of the shear wall will increase if the shear-span ratio of shear walls is the same, but the ductility of the walls will decrease and that degradations of strength and stiffness are also more serious. At the same time, the failure behaviour of shear walls will be changed from shear failure to bending failure with the enhancement of shear-span ratio, the bearing-load capacity will decrease and the ductility and energy absorption characteristics of shear walls will be strengthened.