The equivalent reinforced concrete model for simulating the behavior of walls under dynamic shear loading

In order to have a simplified model useful for dynamic shear loading analysis the equivalent reinforced concrete model (ERC) has been proposed. The ERC model is derived from the framework method and uses lattice meshes for concrete and reinforcement bars, and uniaxial constitutive laws based on continuum damage mechanics and plasticity. After describing the basis of the model, results showing its capacity to analyze shear walls tested in the framework of the SAFE program are presented. The use of the ERC model should reduce the computational time and allow parametrical studies. In this respect the performance of such a model is demonstrated. However it is shown that for low reinforcement ratios results are sensitive to the angle formed by the diagonals of the concrete lattice and the horizontal bars. Specific attention must be paid in this case.