Title:
Modeling of Squat Structural Walls Controlled by Shear
Author(s):
Leonardo M. Massone, Kutay Orakcal, and John W. Wallace
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
106
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
646-655
Keywords:
pier; reinforced concrete; shear strength; spandrel; squat wall
DOI:
10.14359/51663105
Date:
9/1/2009
Abstract:
Reinforced concrete squat walls are common in low-rise construction and as wall segments formed by window and door openings in perimeter walls. Existing approaches used to model the lateral force versus deformation responses of wall segments typically assume uncoupled axial/flexural and shear responses. A more comprehensive modeling approach, which incorporates flexure-shear interaction, is implemented, validated, and improved upon using test results. The experimental program consisted of reversed cyclic lateral load testing of heavily instrumented wall segments dominated by shear behavior. Model results indicate that variation in the assumed transverse normal stress or strain distribution produces important response variations. The use of the average experimentally recorded transverse normal strain data or a calibrated analytical expression resulted in better predictions of shear strength and lateral load-displacement behavior, as did incorporating a rotational spring at wall ends to model extension of longitudinal reinforcing bars within the pedestals.