Sensitivity of flow rate prediction through low aspect ratio RC shear walls due to variable mesh selection

In this paper, the sensitivity of numerical flow rate estimations through low aspect ratio reinforced concrete shear walls is presented. Flow rate is calculated based on the method proposed in an earlier paper by the authors. Four model walls with aspect ratios of 0.5, 0.67, 1.0 and 1.5 are constructed, with meshes ranging from 1 in.×1×1  in. to 12 in.×12×12  in. in size. It is found that the estimated flow rate is sensitive to the mesh size adopted in the finite element model and the crack spacing assumption. Among these two factors, the crack spacing plays the most significant role. An interpolation technique is introduced to improve the estimation. Results using this technique indicate that a consistent flow rate can be obtained when the mesh size equals several times that of the maximum aggregate size.