Elasto-plastic analysis of reinforced concrete slit shear walls

Abstract

This paper deals with the elasto-plastic behaviour of reinforced concrete slit shear walls, a new type of earthquake-resistant wall structure. The softened truss model was used to analyse the inelastic behaviour of the connecting beams, which are the key vibration-control devices of the structure. Based on the non-linear load-deflection curves of the connecting beams obtained using the softened truss model, the elasto-plastic behaviour of the slit shear wall structure as a whole was evaluated using a non-linear finite-element method. A parametric study was then carried out to investigate the effects of different connecting-beam designs on the performance of slit shear walls. The results reveal that the depth and reinforcement of the connecting beams directly affect the failure mode and ductility of the slit shear wall structure. It is concluded that, with appropriate design, the conversion of a solid shear wall into a slit shear wall can substantially increase the ductility of the wall structure, but there will be a slight reduction in lateral strength. | This paper deals with the elasto-plastic behaviour of reinforced concrete slit shear walls, a new type of earthquake-resistant wall structure. The softened truss model was used to analyze the inelastic behaviour of the connecting beams, which are the key vibration-control devices of the structure. Based on the non-linear load-deflection curves of the connecting beams obtained using the softened truss model, the elasto-plastic behaviour of the slit shear wall structure as a whole was evaluated using a non-linear finite-element method. A parametric study was then carded out to investigate the effects of different connecting-beam designs on the performance of slit shear walls. The results reveal that the depth and reinforcement of the connecting beams directly affect the failure mode and ductility of the slit shear wall structure. It is concluded that, with appropriate design, the conversion of a solid shear wall into a slit shear wall can substantially increase the ductility of the wall structure, but there will be a slight reduction in lateral strength.