Title: Numerical Modeling of Squat Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls with High-Strength Materials

Author(s): Robert D. Devine, Steven M. Barbachyn, Yahya C. Kurama, and Ashley P. Thrall

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 121

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 175-188

Keywords: deep beams; high-strength concrete (HSC); high-strength steel reinforcement; low aspect ratio; nonlinear finite element modeling; shear design; shear walls; stocky walls

DOI: 10.14359/51740863

Date: 9/1/2024

Abstract:
This paper presents a numerical study that simulates the behavior of squat reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls with high-strength reinforcing steel and high-strength concrete. The finite element models are critically evaluated based on previous experiments of four deep-beam specimens and four squat shear-wall specimens with varied material strengths, base moment-to-shear ratios, and section shapes (rectangular and flanged). Monotonic lateral load analyses provided reasonable predictions of the peak lateral strength for squat walls tested under reversed-cyclic loading. However, reversed-cyclic models were necessary for more accurate predictions of the cyclic lateral load versus drift behavior, including cracking, stiffness degradation, lateral load-resistance mechanism, peak strength and corresponding drift, and energy dissipation. Importantly, the model predictions for specimens using high-strength materials were as good as or better than those using normal-strength materials with the same base moment-to-shear ratio. Thus, the use of higher-strength materials did not negatively impact the ability of the models to predict wall behavior.