Modelling non-linear behavior of shear walls with damage

This paper summarizes the theoretical and computational efforts on the modelling of small shear walls. Small scale shear walls are used extensively in research because the construction and testing of full size walls are rather expensive. A finite element code is developed which incorporates nonlinear constitutive relations of damage mechanics. The program is used to obtain nonlinear load-deformation curves and to address the initial loss of stiffness due to shrinkage cracking. The program can also be used to monitor the continuous degradation of fundamental frequency due to progressive damage.