Study of the Behaviour of Slab-Coupled T-Shaped RC Walls

Abstract eng:
In this paper, a number of 3-dimensional nonlinear finite element models of two T-shaped walls coupled by slab are created using 2-dimensional elements, varying in each one the slab width. Related modelling issues are discussed. Nonlinear static analysis is employed in an attempt to determine the effective slab width. By means of studying the rotations and the strain field originated, a simple preliminary expression for the effective slab width is proposed. Attention is focused on the deflected shape of the slab and the areas in which high strains are recorded. A sensitivity analysis is conducted in order to evaluate the relative importance of factors such as the width, the reinforcement percentage and the thickness of the slab on the width of effective slab. The results indicate that the slab thickness and reinforcement may have a negligible influence on the effective slab width. The uncertainties associated with the effective width concept are discussed and the needs of future research identified.

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