SIMPLIFIED MODELLING STRATEGIES TO SIMULATE THE DYNAMIC BEHAVIOUR OF R/C WALLS

Abstract

A continuous damage model and different simplified numerical strategies are proposed to simulate the behaviour of reinforced concrete (R/C) walls subjected to earthquake ground motions. For 2D modelling of R/C walls controlled primarily by bending, an Euler multilayered beam element is adopted. For 3D problems, a multifibre Timoshenko beam element having higher order interpolation functions has been developed. Finally, for walls with a small slenderness ratio we use the Equivalent Reinforced Concrete model. For each case, comparison with experimental results of R/C walls tested on shaking table or reaction wall shows the advantages but also the limitations of the approach.