Simplified model for damage in squat RC shear walls

In this paper, a new simplified model for simulating damage of squat RC shear walls under lateral loads is proposed. This simplified model is based on damage and fracture mechanics. It describes the reduction in stiffness and strength due to diagonal cracking, permanent deformations due to yielding of transverse reinforcement and sliding across shear cracks. First, the analytical expressions are developed for the particular case of monotonic loading. A yield function to describe permanent deformations due to yielding of transverse reinforcement is proposed. Then, a crack resistance function, based on the Griffith criterion, is introduced and experimentally identified. Finally, the necessary analytical expressions are developed for hysteretic behavior. The proposed numerical model is implemented in a commercial finite element program and validated against experimental results. It is shown that the model can predict well the response of RC shear walls.