Research on the calculation method for the deformation capacity of RC shear walls with a flange

Through quasi-static tests on three T-shaped reinforced concrete shear walls, the proportion of each deformation component and its variation in the loading process were analyzed. Based on the experimental observation and a moment-curvature analysis, a method for calculating the flexural deformation of the wall panel was established by using the plastic hinge model with the change of the equivalent plastic hinge height taken into consideration. A method for calculating the deformation caused by the slip of longitudinal bars was established by modifying the slip model by Lowes. A method for calculating the shear deformation was established based on the linear relationship between the shear strain and curvature. Accordingly, a new load-deformation analysis model including the contributions of flexural, slip and shear deformations was proposed. The good agreement between the analytical and experimental results confirmed the validity of the proposed model. The research shows that the proposed model not only has a clear determination on each deformation component, but also can accurately estimate the story drift and the deformations at any height. Furthermore, the proposed model is applicable to shear walls with different cross sections, and provides an effective analysis method for the performance design and performance evaluation, which can be used as a reference for engineering design. © 2020, Engineering Mechanics Press. All right reserved.