Numerical response prediction of full-scale concrete walls subjected to simulated in-plane seismic loading. (1st August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faraone, Gloria; Hutchinson, Tara C.; Piccinin, Roberto; Silva, John F.
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 264(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08-01
• Subjects: Full-scale shear wall -- Shear-flexure interaction -- Performance limit state -- Crack width -- Concrete damage -- Crack pattern -- Finite element model -- Analytical model; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2022.114405
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: A numerical model capable of representing coupled shear-flexure interaction is selected and used for validation against a unique full-scale test program conducted on varying aspect ratio reinforced concrete shear walls. The test program also considered the impact of axial load on RC wall simulated seismic response. Results from the numerical simulations are compared to the experiments at key performance states commonly used in performance-based seismic design to quantify damage. Favorable comparison between the numerical simulations and full-scale test results are observed both at the global and local response scale. Salient features of hysteretic response as well as the distribution of local deformations, compare favorably. The distribution of the predicted crack pattern is presented, and shown to be compatible with observations from the physical test program. 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. 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.