FE analysis of RC shear walls subject to monotonic loading

Abstract

This paper describes the implementation of an orthotropic concrete model in a non-linear finite-element analysis of reinforced concrete structures subject to monotonic in-plane shear. Based on the force equilibria, compatibility conditions, and bond stress–slip relationship between the reinforcement and the surrounding concrete, a criterion for considering the tension-stiffening effect is proposed, using the concept of average stresses and strains. The material behaviour of concrete is described by an orthotropic constitutive relation, focusing on the tension–compression region with tension-stiffening and compression-softening effects defining the equivalent uniaxial stress–strain relation in the axes of orthotropy. The behaviour of cracked concrete is described by a system of orthogonal cracks, which follows the principal strain directions and rotates according to the loading history. Finally, correlation studies between analytical results and available experimental data are conducted to assess the validity of the proposed models.