Prediction of capacity of reinforced concrete shear wall with multiple openings by using nonlinear finite element analysis

The effect of openings left in reinforced concrete shear walls due to functional requirements or architectural reasons is an important issue that should not be underestimated mainly since shear walls are considered as one of the most critical load‐carrying members in a structure owing to playing an active role against seismic forces. In this paper, a parametric study was carried out by creating a nonlinear finite element model to determine the effects of openings in reinforced concrete shear walls on the maximum shear force bearing capacities, initial stiffness, displacement ductility ratios, and energy dissipation capacities of the shear walls. The variables examined in the study were the size of the openings left in the reinforced concrete shear walls, opening location, the number of openings, and the concrete compressive strength used in the production of the shear walls. In the first part of the study, nonlinear finite element models of three experimental shear wall test elements: one with no opening (solid), and two with openings: were created using ABAQUS finite element software package, then verified by comparing the numerical analysis results with the experimental results. In the second part of the study, a nonlinear finite element model of 44 reinforced concrete shear walls, including the parameters planned to be investigated, was created by using the verified model, and finite element model (FEM) analyses were performed. As a result of numerical analyses, a capacity reduction coefficient proposal has been developed to calculate the shear force capacities of reinforced concrete shear walls with openings.