An analytical investigation into the lateral load response of curved RC shear walls

SummaryCurved structural elements can extensively be employed in engineering applications, to which structural designers and architects can resort in order to cope with the existing structural limitations and architectural challenges. In this regard, the current study is an attempt to provide insight into the overall performance of curved reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls (CRCSWs) due to the gaps existing in the literature. In order to fulfill this purpose, a CRCSW with general cross‐section has been considered subjected to the applied bi‐lateral and axial loadings. Equivalent non‐rectangular T‐, U‐, and L‐shaped sections are then introduced in lieu of a curved section. Thereafter, the stress and displacement distributions of CRCSWs have been analytically established. In order to highlight the structural merits of CRCSWs, a comparative study is performed based on the six non‐dimensional parameters defined in this study. According to the comparative study conducted between the CRCSWs and the equivalent non‐rectangular flanged walls, unlike latter wall types, the shear‐lag effects do not make serious issues for the performance of CRCSWs. Furthermore, to make a more realistic judgment on the response of CRCSWs, a numerical investigation has been carried out utilizing the finite element (FE) software Abaqus. On the strength of the data obtained from the FE simulation of 90 CRCSWs in three categories of short, squat, and slender walls, a regression model has been established, which is advantageous in that it can supply a means for the initial estimation of the shear strength of CRCSWs. The average R‐factor of 0.88 indicates that the established formulations can potentially well predict the shear strength of CRCSWs. The findings of this study divulge that, in addition to the inherent aesthetical advantages of CRCSWs, these structural elements can effectively resist against bi‐directional loadings as compared with the equivalent RC walls with flanged sections.