Nonlinear Analysis of Squat RC Walls Using Three-Dimensional Continuum Finite Element Models

This paper presents the three-dimensional finite element analysis of squat RC walls using a continuum constitutive model for concrete developed at ANATECH. The concrete model is based on the smeared-cracking concept and an elastic-plastic formulation that permits the simulation of cracking and other particular response characteristics of concrete. The laws governing the normal and tangential stresses on a crack are suitable for the simulation of shear failures and crack closing and reopening under load reversals. Finite element models have been developed to reproduce experiments on squat walls found in the literature. These tests were conducted on walls with rectangular and non-rectangular sections subjected to cyclic lateral loading. The finite element models provide a good representation of the nonlinear response and shear failure of these walls. Results of a blind simulation of a five-story shear wall building tested on a shake-table, in which a diagonal shear failure was well predicted, are also presented.