Comparative Study of Concrete Walls with Window and Door Type Openings

Abstract

A comparative study is undertaken to initially verify the effectiveness of the Layered Finite Element Method (LFEM) in predicting the failure characteristics of reinforced concrete walls with openings, so that the method can ultimately be used to undertake parametric analyses independent of any experimental investigation. The LFEM is used to model, based on previous experimental investigations, seven (7) concrete wall panels with and without openings (window and door). The ultimate loads, load-deflection responses up to failure, deflected shapes and crack patterns predicted by the LFEM are compared to the experimental observations. The results of this comparative study have assisted in verifying the LEFM as a reliable and effective technique for determining a relationship between ultimate load capacity and varying opening configurations so that more dependable design aids and formulae may be established.