Validation of NLFEA to simulate the instability of thin RC walls subjected to bidirectional loading

Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (NLFEA) of the inelastic behaviour of RC walls are often carried out for uni-directional (in-plane) horizontal cyclic loading. In this paper the behaviour of RC walls with different cross-sections (T-shaped and U-shaped) subjected to bi-directional (in-plane and out-of-plane) loading is simulated by means of NLFEA. They are carried out with the software DIANA, using curved shell elements and a total strain crack model for concrete and embedded truss elements adopting Monti-Nuti model for the reinforcement. The aim of this paper is to validate this type of analysis by comparing the obtained results with experimental outcomes of two different RC slender walls, a T-shaped wall and a U-shaped wall, tested under quasi-static bidirectional cyclic load. In particular, the focus is on the comparison between different crack models (Fixed and Rotating crack models) and on the calibration of the Monti-Nuti model parameters for steel. NLFEA is found to acceptably simulate both the in-plane and out-of-plane behaviour observed during the experimental tests. The present work is the starting point for future research in which parametric studies on the influence of reinforcement content and detailing will be performed, assessing their influence on the bidirectional response of RC walls and namely on other less known deformation modes such as out-of-plane instability.