Nonlinear Shear-Wall Analysis

Abstract

A finite-element program, WALSEIZ, capable of performing nonlinear analysis of a timber shear wall subjected to monotonic or dynamic loads is presented. Each wall is composed of four elements: a beam element to model the framing, a plate element to model the sheathing, nonlinear springs to model the sheathing-to-framing connectors (the load-displacement properties of which vary depending on whether monotonic or cyclic loads are applied), and a bilinear spring to model bearing between adjacent sheathing panels. The program can compute displacements at each of the nodes, forces, and stresses in each of the elements as a function of applied load for monotonic analysis and as a function of time for dynamic analysis. Results from the program are compared with experimental data to validate the program. The program is being used in investigations on the response of shear walls subjected to dynamic loads such as earthquakes and hurricanes.