Effect of RC wall on the development of plastic rotation in the beams of RC frame structures

The objective of this study is, to interpret the influence of reinforced concrete walls addition in reinforced concrete frame structures considering behavior laws that reflects the actual behavior of such structures, by means of Castem2000computer code (pushover analysis). A finite element model is proposed in this study, using the TAKEDA modified behavior model with Timoshenko beams elements. This model is validated initially on experimental model. Then the work has focused on the behavior of a RC frame with 3 levels and three bays to better visualize the behavior of plastic hinges. Once the plastic hinge control parameters are identified (plastic rotation, ultimate curvature), a strengthening by introduction of reinforced concrete walls (RC/wall) at the ends of the reinforced concrete frame (RC/frame) has been performed. The results show that these RC walls significantly improve the behavior, by a relocation of efforts towards the central part of the beams.