Improving Lateral Stiffness of Composite Wall Systems Through Vertical Reinforcement
Location
Structure Type
Software Used
British Columbia
Reinforced Frame Structure
Abaqus Standard Implicit
Objective
To evaluate the structural performance of the composite wall system under reversed cyclic loading using finite element analysis (FEA), with a focus on enhancing lateral stiffness by introducing vertical rebar at varying spacings. The goal was to determine the most effective reinforcement strategy to improve seismic resistance while maintaining material efficiency.
Test Method: Amplitude of Reversed Cycle
Load vs Deflection
Lateral Stiffness of Composite Wall Systems: Physical Test
Lateral Stiffness of Composite Wall Systems Analysis
FEA model of Lateral Stiffness of Composite Wall Systems
Challenges
The wall system lacked sufficient lateral stiffness when subjected to cyclic loading. Evaluating structural response while excluding imperfections and natural fiber stiffness introduced uncertainty in achieving realistic and conservative performance predictions.
Solution
Three FEA models were created in Abaqus, comparing configurations with and without vertical rebars. Displacement-controlled cyclic loads per ASTM E2126/ISO 16670 were applied to assess stiffness enhancement via reinforcement.
Result
Adding rebars significantly improved stiffness. No rebar failure was observed. Rebar spacing at 4’ outperformed 8’ spacing and the bare frame, indicating effective enhancement of structural resilience under cyclic loads.
