Behavior of Concrete Panels Subjected to Axial and Lateral Loads

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the behavior of slender reinforced concrete panels, supported along their four sides, and subjected simultaneously to axial and lateral loads. The paper describes the numerical aspect of an ongoing research program that also includes experimental tests. The application of such structural elements in civil engineering construction is first presented, followed by the description of the finite element program used to perform the analysis. The validity of the numerical model is established by comparison with several experimental results performed on various types of structural elements. Finally, the results of a parametric study are presented to illustrate the effects of several geometric, loading, and edge constraint parameters on the behavior of panels supported on four sides and subjected to in‐plane and lateral loads. The type of edge restraints, the in‐plane load magnitude, slenderness, and loading history had significant effects on the capacity and ductility of the plates.