Numerical Analysis on Nonlinear Behavior of the Superimposed Wall under Quasi-Static Reversed Cyclic Loading

To evaluate seismic performance of superimposed reinforced concrete (RC) walls, six full-scale cantilever units, four representing the superimposed RC walls and two representing the cast-in-place RC walls, were tested under quasi-static reversed cyclic loading. The hysteresis property, deformation capacity and failure patterns of the superimposed walls were studied. Based on the test, micro model finite element analysis (FEA) of the six units was conducted using ANSYS, and the numerical results were compared with the test ones to validate the finite element model. The results indicate that the failure modes, hysteretic loops and envelope curves obtained by the numerical analysis agree well with the test results. The finite element model - considering the concrete interface by using "contact element" - can be used to simulate the behavior of horizontal joints of the superimposed RC walls. The model and parameters adopted are reasonable in analyzing the seismic behavior of superimposed RC walls.