SHAKING TABLE TESTS OF RC STRUCTURAL WALLS – MODELLING AND RESPONSE PREDICTIONS

Three large-scale shake table tests (CAMUS, ECOLEADER, and NEES) were made to study seismic performance and vulnerability of RC structural walls. Benchmark studies were organized to test available analytical models. Multiple-vertical-line-element model has been able to successfully predict predominantly flexural response. It has been able to model the global response as well as (within the limits of a macro model) the local deformations in the reinforcement and the uplift of the tension edge of the wall, associated with the 3D structural interaction and variable axial forces. Important parameters governing structural response and controlling the model behavior were identified and discussed. They include initial stiffness, the sequence of the loading, damping, the level of the compressive axial forces (associated with the wall-to-floor ratio in the structure), confinement, ductility of the reinforcement and coupling of the structural elements through flat slabs.