Three-Dimensional Cyclic Beam-Truss Model for Nonplanar Reinforced Concrete Walls

Abstract

A three-dimensional nonlinear cyclic model for nonplanar reinforced concrete walls is presented. Nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli fiber-section beam elements are used to represent steel and concrete in the vertical direction, and nonlinear trusses are used to represent the steel and concrete in the horizontal direction and the concrete in the diagonal directions. The model represents the effects of flexure-shear interaction by computing the stress and strains in the horizontal and vertical directions and by considering biaxial effects on the behavior of concrete diagonals and accounts for mesh-size effects. The model is validated by comparing the experimentally measured and numerically computed response of three reinforced concrete T-shape, C-shape, and I-shape section wall specimens, respectively, with the response of the latter two characterized by crushing of the concrete in the diagonal direction. The overall force-deformation and local strain responses are presented. Finally, the computed response using the model developed here is compared with the Euler-Bernoulli fiber-section beam models.