Analysis of Coupled RC Shear/Core Walls by Macro Model

Abstract

A modified macro numerical model for coupled RC shear/core walls is proposed to better consider the deformation compatibility between the coupling beam and the wall element and to incorporate the out-of-plane effect of the wall panel. In this model, the three-dimensional macro shear wall element model with distributed shear springs and out-of-plane freedom is adopted to simulate the wall unit; a one-dimensional line element consisting of three sub-units in series based on the vertical deformation compatibility is adopted to simulate the coupling beam. The case study shows that a numerical model based on the vertical deformation compatibility results in more accurate simulation of the mechanical behavior of the RC coupled shear wall. The modified model developed in this study has the advantages of fast calculation and high precision, which makes the model appropriate for engineering application.