Strength prediction of squat structural walls via calibration of a shear–flexure interaction model

This study deals with a modeling approach that integrates shear and flexure interaction to predict the response of reinforced concrete squat walls. The model incorporates RC panel behavior into a displacement-based column model by prescribing the average horizontal strain, at different wall heights, which is calibrated using a 2D finite element formulation model (2D-FEM) that incorporated identical RC panel behavior. Experimental evidence shows relatively good correlation of the maximum and distribution over the wall height of the average horizontal strain prediction, with drift variation. The model shear strength was also compared to a database of 252 specimens, resulting in an average ratio of the predicted over the experimental shear strength (Vmodel/Vexp) of 1.13 for all the cases, with a coefficient of variation of 0.25, indicating a reasonably good correlation with the tests results. A sensitivity study indicates that the model strength prediction ratio, that is, the model over the experimental strength value, is almost nil sensitive to the vertical and horizontal web reinforcement strength ratio, as well as the longitudinal boundary reinforcement strength ratio, cross-sectional shape (rectangular or enlarged section), boundary condition (cantilever or fixed-end condition) and the axial load level supporting the reliability of the model.