Comparison Between Non-linear Numerical Models for R.C. Shear Walls Under Cyclic Loading

The non-linear behaviour of concrete structures is the result of a series of phenomena, as material non-linear constitutive law and cracking process. As a consequence, in order to understand the behaviour of reinforced concrete members from elastic field to ultimate condition, is necessary to use instruments able to simulate the material damaging evolution under growing loads. Commercial non-linear finite elements codes are generally able to simulate concrete behaviour with good approximation when a progressive incremental load is applied. However, the same result could not be reached under a cyclic loading. In this work two commercial non-linear finite element codes have been considered in order to assess the skill of these codes to simulate non-linear concrete behaviour under cyclic loading. The results of six laboratory tests on shear walls have been compared with the ones obtained by means of numerical models and some conclusions on the numerical predictions are presented.