Three‐dimensional beam–truss model for reinforced concrete walls and slabs – part 2: modeling approach and validation for slabs and coupled walls

Abstract

SummaryA three‐dimensional beam–truss model (BTM) for reinforced concrete (RC) walls that explicitly models flexure–shear interaction and accurately captures diagonal shear failures was presented in the first part of this two‐paper series. This paper extends the BTM to simulate RC slabs and coupled RC walls through slabs and beams. The inclination angle of the diagonal elements for coupled RC walls is determined, accounting for the geometry of the walls and the level of coupling. Two case studies validate the model: (1) a two‐bay slab–column specimen experimentally tested using cyclic static loading and (2) a five‐story coupled T‐wall–beam–slab specimen subjected to biaxial shake table excitation. The numerically computed lateral force–lateral displacement and strain contours are compared with the experimentally measured response and observed damage. The five‐story specimen is characterized by diagonal shear failure at the bottom story of the walls, which is captured by the BTM. The BTM of the five‐story specimen is used to study the effects of coupling on shear demand for lightly reinforced RC coupled walls. The effect of mesh refinement and bar fracture of non‐ductile transverse reinforcement is studied. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.