Nonlinear finite element analysis of slender HSC walls

This paper presents the case for utilising the nonlinear finite element method in the prediction of strength and load-displacement characteristics of slender high strength concrete walls. It reports the results of FE analysis of walls having different amount of reinforcement and acted upon by in-plane forces with variable eccentricity using the FE software DIANA. Material sources of non-linearity, such as cracking, plasticity of concrete in compression, yielding of steel as well as geometric nonlinerarities are taken into consideration. The FE predictions of stiffness and ultimate strength are assessed on the basis of experimental results.