Numerical Study on the Ultimate Deformation of RC Structural Walls with Confined Boundary Regions

For accurate assessment of performance levels in reinforced concrete (RC) members, it is important to well define deformation limits at particular damage states. For RC walled building, investigation of the deformation limits of RC structural walls is required to define limit states and corresponding limiting values. Numerical investigations were carried out on barbell shape and rectangular RC walls with confined boundaries to evaluate response curves and ultimate deformations. A nonlinear 2D and 3D finite elements (FE) models were built in order to simulate the load-deformation relations under monotonic loading as well as cracking and damage patterns of previously tested walls. The FE models were able to simulate the backbone curves with good accuracy as well as the ability of boundary columns in reducing damage level. The 3D FE model simulated very well the ultimate deformation compared to 2D models. A sectional fibre model combined with plastic hinge length and shear deformation component is proposed in order to simulate the backbone curves and the ultimate deformation with less computational cost compared to 3D FE analysis. The model was able to provide relatively accurate backbone curves with very good estimation of ultimate drift.