Computational study of elastic and inelastic ring shaped - steel plate shear wall behavior

This paper details three computational studies that build upon the experimental test results to develop and validate useful design equations for RS-SPSWs. The paper starts with a description of the RS-SPSW nonlinear finite element models that utilize shell elements for the web plate. Then, the model is validated against experimental specimens by comparing the load-deformation behavior and the evolution of cumulative energy dissipation. Next, the computational models are utilized to explore the uneven shear deformation distribution along the height of the web plate allowing derived prediction equations to be validated. The computational models are also used to determine boundary element demands and to validate a proposed distribution of web plate forces for use in design. Lastly, the modeling approach is utilized to better understand shear buckling of the web plates in terms of non-dimensional web plate parameters.