Analytical and Numerical Methods for Estimating the Deformation Capacity of RC Shear Walls

The present research aims to the evaluation of the deformation capacity of existing reinforced concrete shear walls designed with past non-conforming seismic regulations. A refined analytical model (referred to as the Proposed Model) is presented for generating Load–displacement (P-d) curves for RC shear walls. The model is applicable to medium-rise walls designed with or without modern seismic provisions and incorporates shear effects in both deformation and strength capacity. The application of the Proposed Model is assessed through comparison with numerical models implemented in the widely accepted OpenSees platform. Specifically, two types of elements are examined: the widely used flexural element Force-Based Beam-Column Element (FBE) and the Flexure-Shear Interaction Displacement-Based Beam-Column Element (FSI), which accounts for the interaction between flexure and shear. The results of both analytical and numerical approaches are compared with experimental data from four RC shear wall specimens reported in previous studies.