Title: Three-Dimensional Equivalent Frame Analysis of Shearwalls

Author(s): I. Paul Lew and Fruma Narov

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 5

Issue: 10

Appears on pages(s): 25-30

Keywords: axial loads; beams (supports); columns (supports); computer programs; deflection; models; moments; rigid frames; shearwalls; structural analysis.

DOI:

Date: 10/1/1983

Abstract:
This paper provides an approach to analyzing shearwalls as a three-dimensional equivalent frame. The basis for this approach is the well established planar equivalent frame. In the equivalent three-dimensional frame, the vertical walls are modeled as continuous columns with the same moment of inertia as the walls. The equivalent column elements are located at the centroid of the wall and rigid beam elements are rigidly connected to them and extend to the ends of the wall. At these ends two boundary conditions are considered. The first condition is intersecting walls. In this case the rigid beams are connected for shear only, assuring vertical compatibility of strain. The second condition is coupling beams. In this case the rigid beams are considered continuous with the coupling beams. Results from the analysis are axial forces, shears, deflections, and moments on the equivalent beam and column elements. Comparison with the results of hand analysis and finite element runs are shown to be very close. Examples of two case studies of shearwalls where this technique was used are illustrated.