Two-discrete-elements concrete shear deformation model: Formulation and application in the seismic evaluation of reinforced concrete shear walls

Abstract

Shear deformation in reinforced concrete structures is of a complex nature. A thorough understanding of the interaction between the shear strength, flexural strength, and flexural ductility is not yet achieved. A new shear-deformation-based theory is proposed and validated in this study. The so-called two-discrete-elements (TDE) shear deformation theory idealizes reinforced concrete members as series of two discrete types of elements: S-elements and C-elements. The S-elements are used to model the regions of concrete reinforced to resist flexural and shear deformation using longitudinal and transverse steel reinforcement, while the C-elements are used to model the reinforced concrete sections bounded by the stirrups. The compatibility between the two types of elements is enforced by controlling the crack angle. The formulation of the newly developed theory is discussed in terms of equilibrium of forces, compatibility within the elements, compatibility at the interface, and constitutive material modeling. The theory was applied to evaluate the deformability of reinforced concrete shear walls subjected to lateral loads for seismic design applications. It was also implemented to generate sample design charts referred to as axial–moment–shear interaction diagrams. These diagrams can be used to design shear walls subjected to combined action of axial load, moment, and shear as opposed to the conventional interaction diagrams in which only the axial load versus moment relationship is considered. Analysis results indicated the adequacy of the proposed theory in capturing the shear strength degradation and predicting structural failures controlled by the shear capacity.