Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Steel Shear Walls with Perforations

A Master of Science thesis in Civil Engineering by Rana Ashour entitled, "Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Steel Shear Walls with Perforations," submitted in January 2016. Thesis advisor is Dr. Mohammad AlHamaydeh. Soft and hard copy available.

Abstract

The lateral load-resisting system of a building is an essential part of the structure and is critical for stability. Most reinforced concrete buildings around the world use reinforced concrete shear walls as their main lateral load-resisting system. Recently, Steel Plate Shear Walls (SPSWs) have become more widely accepted as an alternative to concrete shear walls especially for relatively taller buildings. Nevertheless, in comparison to RC shear walls, there has not been as much research on steel shear walls in general, and specifically on steel shear walls with perforations. The main focus of this research is studying the impact of perforations on SPSW behavior. After presenting a summary of previous research, a Finite Element (FE) model is utilized to study the nonlinear behavior of perforated SPSWs. The model is created using the general-purpose commercial software package ABAQUS. Experimental results obtained from available literature are used to validate the model. The model is then used to carry out a deterministic sensitivity analysis in order to unveil the most influential parameters of the SPSW system. The investigated parameters are: (a) infill panel thickness, (b) beam size, (c) column size, (d) infill panel material yield strength, (e) frame material yield strength, (f) diameter of perforations and, (g) spacing of perforations. The input parameters are varied to two levels beyond the validated model control values. The effect of the studied parameters on the SPSW behavior is captured through monitoring key response indicators. The selected response indicators for SPSWs are: (a) yield strength, (b) yield displacement, (c) ultimate strength, (d) ultimate displacement, (e) initial stiffness, (f) secondary stiffness, (g) ductility and, (h) hysteretic energy in a full cycle of load reversal. The main effects of varying individual input parameters as well as input parameter interactions are explored. It is concluded that the parameter with the highest impact on all output parameters responses is infill panel thickness. Moreover, the most interactive parameters that are common to most output parameters are infill thickness with beam size and infill thickness with perforation diameter. Finally, the design guidelines produced can be used by designers to produce optimum designs and desired outcomes.