parametric study of the influential factors on the ultimate capacity of composite steel plate shear walls with opening

parametric study of the influential factors on the ultimate capacity of composite steel plate shear walls with opening

composite steel plate shear wall is a relatively novel lateral load bearing system which is consists of a thin steel plate with reinforced concrete layer(s) at one or both sides. the concrete layer or layers are connected to the steel plate using shear studs. this system provides considerable lateral stiffness and strength for the system, and the concrete layer(s) prevent early buckling of slender steel plate. the use of this system is appropriate due to its relatively low weight and thickness in comparison with other structural systems.

however, it should be noted that due to architectural or structural considerations, in some cases, the presence of openings in the walls is inevitable and can affect the behavior of this system. in this study, using the finite element analysis with abaqus software, the effect of various parameters such as stud distance, thickness of steel plate, opening dimensions and concrete strength on the behavior of composite steel plate shear walls will be evaluated. four different type of composite walls with opening are considered.

these four modes include a wall with an opening, a wall with an opening strengthened with a steel frame around the opening, a wall with an opening and 45-degree reinforcement rebars at the opening corners, and a wall with an opening and both-degree rebars and strengthening frame. the effects of different parameters on these four states are investigated in three-story specimens. the results showed that, except the concrete strength of the concrete, other parameters will have a significant impact on the final capacity of this type of wall in all cases.