Design of Shear Walls Using ETABS

O-SCAAD-1
May 21, 2002, AIT, Bangkok

Buddhi S. Sharma
ACECOMS, AIT
 The Basic Issues
What is a Shear Wall?
Modeling and analysis issues
Transfer of loads to shear walls
Modeling of shear walls in 2D
Modeling of shear Walls in 3D
Interaction of shear-walls with frames

Design and detaining issues

Determination of rebars for flexure
Determination of rebars for shear
Detailing of rebars near openings and corners
Design and detailing of connection between various components
of cellular shear walls

Design of Shear Walls

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Shear Wall
Definition
 What is a Shear Wall?
How can we tell when a member is a shear
wall
Is the definition based on ?
Intended Use
Shape in Cross-section
Geometry in Elevation
Loading Type and Intensity
Behavior and Theory
Location, Direction, Orientation

Design of Shear Walls

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 Shear Wall or Column

Wall Column
Design of Shear Walls
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 Shear Wall or Frame

Shear Wall Shear Wall or Frame ? Frame

Design of Shear Walls

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 Shear Wall or Truss?

Design of Shear Walls

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 Planner Walls

Planer Stiffened Regular Irregular Openings

Openings
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 Cellular Walls

Design of Shear Walls

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Location and
Layout of
Shear Walls
 Purpose of Shear Walls
Resist the lateral loads for medium rise buildings
up to 40 floors
Reduce total deflection and story drift
Increase lateral stiffness
Reduce moments in columns and floor members due to
lateral loads
Reduce the overall cost of the structural system
Can also serve as elevator shafts, service ducts, etc,

Design of Shear Walls

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 Loads Transferred to Shear Walls

Distribution of lateral loads to individual shear walls, to

moment resisting frames, to wall-frames and to
individual columns depends on:
Stiffness of each column and wall
Lateral stiffness of each frame or wall frame
Location of the the vertical unit with respect to the load building
lateral stiffness center
Location of the load center with respect to the stiffness center
The geometry and in-plane stiffness of the floor slab system

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 Load Transferred to Shear Walls
?

Load Center
F
f D

Stiffness
Center

?
Building Plan

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 How to Locate the Walls
Reduce the eccentricity between the stiffness center and
the load center
Consider Eccentricity due to Wind Loads, depending on overall
geometry of the structure
Consider Eccentricity due to Earthquake Loads, depending on
Mass Distribution
Consider Eccentricity not only at foundation level but at various
heights
Reduce the in-plane bending in the slab system and
Evenly distribute the stiffness in both directions
Use building layout in plan to enhance overall stiffness
and reduce need for shear walls

Design of Shear Walls

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 How to Check Eccentricity!
For Wind Loads
Apply Wind load in X-Direction and check nodal displacements. If
displacement in Y-Directions are nearly zero or very small, then
there is no eccentricity between wind load and and stiffness center
in Y-direction
Repeat the same for Y-Direction Load

Seismic Loads
Assign the Mass properties to the building and carryout a Modal
Analysis: If the first two modes are Translational, and third mode is
Torsional, then there is no eccentricity between the mass center and
Stiffness Center in Both Directions

Design of Shear Walls

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 Eccentric and Concentric Response

No Eccentricity

F
D

Eccentric Shear Wall

Design of Shear Walls

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 Eccentric and Concentric Response
Unsymmetrical Mass and
Stiffness

Symmetrical Mass and

Stiffness

Mode-1 Mode-2 Mode-3

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 Avoid Eccentricity in Plan

Or

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 Reduce In-plane Bending in Floor

Design of Shear Walls

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 Vertical Irregularity

Expansion
Joint

No Shear Walls Balanced Shear Using Expansion

Walls at All Levels Joints to eliminate
some walls

Design of Shear Walls

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 Using Efficient Building Plan Shape

Design of Shear Walls

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Shear Wall
Behavior
 Shear Wall and Frame Behavior

Shear Wall Behavior Frame Behavior

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 Axial Stresses in Planer Walls
10

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 Axial Stresses in Cellular Walls
10 Uniaxial Bending

Design of Shear Walls

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 Axial Stresses in Cellular Walls
10 Biaxial Bending

Design of Shear Walls

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Modeling of
Shear Walls
 Modeling of Planer Walls

Using Truss

Using Beam and Column Using Panels, Plates and Beams

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 Modeling of Shear Walls

Using Beam Elements

Design of Shear Walls

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 Frame Models for Shear Walls
4-Node plane element does not accurately capture the
linear bending, because constant shear distribution is
assumed in formulation but actually shear stress
distribution is parabolic

Since the basic philosophy of RC design is based on

cracked sections, it is not possible to use the finite
elements results directly for design

Very simple model (beam-column) which accurately

captures the behavior of the structure, and the results
can be used directly to design the concrete elements

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 Modeling of Walls using 1D Elements
Simple beam Beam elements Beam elements
elements with rigid ends in Truss Model

H2

H1

t t txh

L L L
Design of Shear Walls
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 Frame Model for Planer Walls
Specially Suitable when H/B is
more than 5
H
The shear wall is represented
by a column of section B x t
The beam up to the edge of the
t wall is modeled as normal
B beam
The column is connected to
beam by rigid zones or very
Rigid Zones
large cross-section

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 Frame Models for Cellular Walls
t
Difficult to extend the concept to
H
Non-planer walls
B Core Wall must be converted to
equivalent column and
appropriate rigid elements
Can be used in 2D analysis but
2t more complicated for 3D analysis
H After the core wall is converted to
t
B
planer wall, the simplified
procedure cab used for modeling

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 Modeling of Shear Walls

Using Plate/Shell Elements

U3, R3 U3, R3

U2, R2 U2, R2
Node 3 Node 4
U1, R1
U1, R1
3 2
U3, R3
1

U3, R3 U2, R2 U2, R2

Node 1 Node 2

U1, R1 U1, R1

Shell

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 Modeling Walls using 2D Elements
Walls are subjected to in-plane deformations so
2D elements that have transnational DOF need
to be used
A coarse mesh can be used to capture the
overall stiffness and deformation of the wall
A fine mesh should be used to capture in-plane
bending or curvature
General Shell Element or Membrane Elements
can be used to model Shear Walls

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 Modeling Walls Using Membrane

Nodes: 4
DOFs: 2 (or 3) DOFs /Node Ux and Uy
2-Translation, 0 or 1 rotation
Dimension: 2 dimension element
Shape: Regular / Irregular
Properties: Modulus of Elasticity(E),
Poisson ratio(v),
Thickness( t )

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 Modeling Walls using Shell Elements
Nodes: 4
DOFs: 5 or 6 DOFs /Node Ux and Uy
3 Translation, 2 or 3 rotation
Dimension: 2 dimension element
Shape: Regular / Irregular
Properties: Modulus of Elasticity(E),
Poisson ratio(v), U3, R3 U3, R3
Thickness( t ) U2, R2 U2, R2
Node 3 Node 4
U1, R1
U1, R1
3 2
U3, R3
1

U3, R3 U2, R2 U2, R2

Node 1 Node 2

U1, R1 U1, R1

Shell

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 Using Panel/ Plate Elements

Modeling Shear-Walls Modeling Shear-Walls using Panels,

using Panels only Beams, Columns

(No Moment continuity (Full Moment continuity

with Beams and Columns unless with Beams and Columns is restored by
6 DOF Shell is used) using additional beams)

Design of Shear Walls

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 Using Plates to Model Walls
Multiple elements greater accuracy in determination of stress distribution
and allow easy modeling of openings

Using Plate Elements only Using Plate Elements with

Beams, Columns
(No Moment continuity
with Beams and Columns unless (Full Moment continuity
6 DOF Shell is used) with Beams and Columns)

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 Connecting Walls to Slab

Zipper

In general the mesh in the slab Some software automatically

should match with mesh in the wall establishes connectivity by using
to establish connection constraints or Zipper elements

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 Modeling of Shear Walls

Using Truss Models

txt

C
t x 2t
t
B
Design of Shear Walls
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 Using Trusses to Model Shear Walls
The behavior of shear walls can be closely
approximated by truss models:
The vertical elements provide the axial-flexural
resistance
The diagonal elements provide the shear resistance
Truss models are derived from the strut-tie
concepts
This model represents the cracked state of the
wall where all tension is taken by ties and
compression by concrete

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 Truss Model for Shear Walls
10

Comparing Deformation and

Deflections of Shell Model with
Truss Model

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 Truss Model for Shear Walls
10

Comparing Deformation and

Deflections of Shell Model
with Truss Model

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 Truss Models for Shear Walls
10

Comparing Axial Stress and Axial

Force Patterns

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 Truss Models for Shear Walls
10

Uniaxial Biaxial

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 How to Construct Truss Models
For the purpose of analysis, assume the
main truss layout based on wall width
and floor levels
Initial member sizes can be estimated as
t x 2t for main axial members and t x t for
diagonal members
txt Use frame elements to model the truss.
It is not necessary to use truss
elements
Generally single diagonal is sufficient for
modeling but double diagonal may be
C used for easier interpretation of results
t x 2t The floor beams and slabs can be
connected directly to truss elements
t
B

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 Modeling of Shear Walls

Openings in Shear Walls

Design of Shear Walls

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 Openings in Shear Walls
Very Small Openings Medium Openings Very Large Openings
may not alter wall may convert shear may convert the Wall
behavior wall to Pier and to Frame
Spandrel System

Spandrel Beam

Wall Column
Pier Pier

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 Openings in Shear Walls - Cellular

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 Openings in Shear Walls - Planer

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 Modeling Walls with Opening

Plate-Shell Model Rigid Frame Model Truss Model

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 Frame Model of Shear Walls

A: Shear Wall with Line Loads B: Finite Element Model

Rigid Zones

Beams
3 DOF
Columns per rigid zone

C: Define Beams & Columns D: Beam-Column Model

Based on Concept proposed by E.L. Wilson

Design of Shear Walls
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 Design of
Shear Walls
 Basic Design Considerations
Main Shear Wall
Flexural Design
Shear Design
Spandrels and Links
Flexural Design
Shear Design
Ductility Considerations
Anchorage with Footings
Connection with Floor Slab/ Beams

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 Flexural Design

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 Flexural Design

As Single Flexural Member

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 Designing as A Flexural Member
Approach
Design the Wall as Big Column
Follow the normal axial-flexural
concept and provisions
Input Needed
P, Mx , (and My)
Wall Dimensions
Problems
Does not consider the non-linear
strain distribution
In efficient rebar distribution

Design of Shear Walls

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 Design Procedure
1. Obtain Design Actions from Analysis
2. Assume rebar sizes, amount and distribution
3. Determine Cross-section capacity as column in
form of Interaction Surfaces and Curves
4. Check if all action sets (P, Mx, My) fall within
the interaction surface. The extreme values
should be near the surface
5. If required, revise cross-section and repeat

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 Getting Result from Frame Model
Design actions (P, Mx, My and V) are obtained directly

P P

V Vy Vx Mx
M
My

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 Getting Results from Truss Model
P T C D sin( )
M Txt Cxc D sin( ) xd
V D cos( )

D P
T C

M V
xd

xt xc

Tension Compression
Member Member

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 Getting Results From Shell Model
CL of wall
Fi Ai f i
n
P Fi
i 1
P n
M Fi xi
A A V i 1
M
n
V Ai vi
i 1

f5 x1
f4
f3 f2
T f1
f1, f2, ..fn are the nodal stresses at
C section A-A , obtained from analysis
x1

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 Assuming Reinforcement
Assume larger bars on the corners
Assume more bars on predominant tension
direction/ location
Assume uniform reinforcement on wall sides
Total Rebars ratio should preferably be more
than 0.8% and less than 3% for economical
design

Design of Shear Walls

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 Obtaining Section Capacity Curves
Can be done manually by using linear strain
distribution and equilibrium conditions
Generate few control points on the curve
Difficult to apply for Cellular and non rectangular walls
Can be obtained in more complete form using
Software
CSI-Section Builder
GEAR Column Section Module
PCA Column

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 Interaction Curves - Uniaxial
The curve is generated by varying
the neutral axis depth

Un-safe

Nb Safe
Nnx fc ( )da fsi Asi
A i 1
Nb
Mny fc ( ) da.dz fsi Asidzi
z A i 1

Design of Shear Walls

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 Interaction Surface - Biaxial
+P

The surface is
A cross-section of
generated by interaction surface at P
Un-safe
u

changing Angle and - My

Depth of Neutral
Axis Pu

- Mz Safe + Mz

+ My

1 n
x, y dx dy ...
1
N z 1 A ( x , y ) ...
1 2 i i
x y i 1

1 1 n
M x 2
x y x, y dx dy . y ... 2 Ai i ( x, y ) yi ...

1 i 1
1 1 n
M y 3 x , y dx dy . x ... A ( x , y ) x ...

1 x y 2 i 1
i i i

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 Interaction Surface and Curves

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 Narrow Planner Walls
The capacity is almost completely un-
axial

Moment capacity can be increased by

providing Rebars at the corners

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 Cellular Wall No Opening
The capacity is
almost completely
biaxial

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 Single Cell Walls

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 Double Cell Walls

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 Flexural Design

Using Axial Zones

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 Design Walls in Zones
Basic Concept
Design the wall to resist the external actions by
compression, tension and shear zones
More intuitive and more economical
Zone of high tension designed as tension member
with concentrated rebars
Zone of high compression designed as compression
member with appropriate rebar limits
Zone of low stress design as wall with nominal wall
rebars

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 Designing as Axial Zones

Design of Shear Walls

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 Design Procedure
1. Obtain Design Actions from Analysis
2. Compute Axial Forces
3. For each axial force, assume section, assume
rebars and check capacity
4. If capacity not enough, revise section, re-
compute Axial Forces, and continue until
required section for each force is designed
5. Provide nominal wall reinforcement in between
the axial zones

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 Getting Result from Frame Model
Compute Forces from Actions
P
P
My
Mx
M

F1 F2

Fi
x1 x2 yi

F1 0.5P M / x1 P Mx My
F2 0.5P M / x2 Fi
4 yi xi

Design of Shear Walls

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 Getting Results from Truss Model

Results obtained from truss

analysis can be used Directly
D
T C
F1 = T
xd F2 = C
xt xc

Tension Compression
Member Member

Design of Shear Walls

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 Getting Results From Shell Model
CL of wall

F1=T F2=C
A A

f5 x1 Ai xi t
f4
f3 Fi Ai f i
f2
T f1
f1, f2, ..fn are the nodal stresses at
C section A-A , obtained from analysis
x1

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 Axial Zone Model Planer Wall

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 Axial Zones for Box Wall

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 Design as Truss: Strut and Tie
Directly design the
tension members for
reinforcement
Directly design the
compression members
as columns
The design is similar to
the Axial Zones
concept

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 Concrete Shear Wall Design in ETABS
2D wall pier design and boundary-member checks
2D wall spandrel design
3D wall pier check for provided reinforcement
Graphical Section Designer for concrete rebar location
Graphical display of reinforcement and stress ratios
Interactive design and review
Summary and detailed reports including database
formats

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 Shear Design

Spandrel

Pier

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 Shear Design Procedure
For Walls without Openings
Design the wall as piers

For Walls with Openings

Design the Piers, the vertical part
Design the Spandrels, the horizontal part

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 Shear Design of Pier
Determine Concrete
shear capacity, Vc
Check if Vc exceeds the
limit, if it does, section
needs to be revised
Determine steel Rebars
for Vs=V-Vc
Check additional steel for Lp
seismic requirements tp

Design of Shear Walls

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 ACI Equations for Pier Design
Basic Concrete Shear Capacity
Pu 0.8L p
Vc 3.3RLW f ct p 0.8L p
4Lp

Concrete not to Exceed the limit

P
L p 1.25 RLW f c 0.2 u


Vc 0.6 RLW
fc Lpt p t 0.8 L
M L p p
Abs u p
Vu 2

Area of Steel Computed as

Abs Vu
Vc Abs Vu
10 RLW f ct p 0.8L p
Av
f ys 0.8L p

Design of Shear Walls

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 Shear Design for Spandrel
Determine Concrete hs
shear capacity, Vc Ls
Check if Vc exceeds the Elevation
limit, if it does, section ts
needs to be revised d r top

Determine steel Rebars a

c
for Vs=V-Vc
hs
Check additional steel for
seismic requirements
d r bot

Section

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 ACI Equations for Spandrel Design
Basic Concrete Shear Capacity

Vc 2 RLW f c ts d s

Concrete not to Exceed the limit

Vu
Vs Vn Vc V c

Area of Steel Computed as

Vs
Av Vs 8RLW f ct s d s
f ys d s

Check for minimum steel and spacing etc.

Design of Shear Walls

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 ACI Equations for Spandrel Design
50t s
Ls Vu Av min
When 5 and 0.5Vc f ys
ds
Ah min 0

Ls Vu
When 5 and 0.5Vc Av min Ah min 0
ds

When Ls
2 5 Check
ds
Vu2 Ls Av min 0.0015t s
10 RLW
f ct s d s
3 ds Ah min 0.0025t s

Design of Shear Walls

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 Notations for Shear Design
Ls = Length of Spandrel

ts = Thickness of Spandrel

d r top = Distance from top of spandrel to the centroid of top reinforcing

d r bot = Distance from bottom of spandrel to the centroid of bottom reinforcing
hs = Total depth of spandrel
RLW = Shear reduction factor as specified in the concrete material properties for
light weight concrete.
ds = Effective depth of spandrel

Vs = Portion of Shear force in spandrel carried by reinforcing steel

Vc = Portion of Shear force in spandrel carried by concrete

Design of Shear Walls

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 Notations for Shear Design

Vn = Nominal Shear strength

f ys = Shear yield strength of steel

f c = Concrete Compressive Strength

Lp = Length of Pier

tp = Thickness of Pier
Av min = Minimum vertical required area of distributed shear reinforcing
Ah min = Minimum horizontal required area of distributed shear reinforcing

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Detailing of
Shear Walls
 Wall Section
Place more reinforcement at the ends and distribute the
remaining in the middle portion
Confine the Rebars at the end for improved ductility and
increased moment capacity

Option -1

Option -2

Option -3

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 Effect of Rebar Layout
Moment Capacity for 1% Rebars

a) Uniform Distribution

Max M= 380
b) Concentrated Bars

Nearly 25% increase for same steel Max M= 475

Design of Shear Walls

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 Wall Section
Place more reinforcement at
the corners and distribute the
remaining in the middle
portion
Confine the Rebars at the
corners for improved
ductility and increased
moment capacity
Provide U-Bars at the
corners for easier
construction and improved
laps

Design of Shear Walls

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 Effect of Rebar Layout
Moment Capacity for 1% Rebars
a) Uniform Distribution

Max M= 16500

b) Concentrated Bars

Max M= 19600

Nearly 20% increase for same steel

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 Rebar Detailing For Openings

Design of Shear Walls

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