Nonlinear Truss Modeling Method for the Analysis of Shear Failures in Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Structures

Shear failures in reinforced concrete (RC) or reinforced masonry (RM) components can negatively affect the lateral strength and inelastic deformation capacity of building structural systems subjected to cyclic lateral loads. Such failures can occur in both old and new construction. The determination of the safety of RC and RM structures critically hinges on the capability to capture the strength and stiffness degradation induced by shear failures. This study uses nonlinear truss models to capture the response of shear-dominated RC columns and RM walls under cyclic loading. The material laws for the concrete/masonry material and for the steel reinforcement and the procedure to establish the geometry of a truss model are described. The modeling scheme is validated using the results of quasi-static and dynamic tests on reinforced concrete columns and reinforced masonry walls. The combination of accuracy, conceptual simplicity, and computational efficiency establish truss models as an attractive method of assessing the performance of shear-critical structural components and systems.