Numerical evaluation of rc shear walls in terms ofdimensions and reinforcement arrangement in accordancewith the Turkish Seismic Code (TSC 2018)

In earthquake-resistant building design, reinforced concrete walls play a crucial role. This thesis investigates the effect of reinforcement arrangements and dimensions on wall behavior using computer-aided methods. The study prioritizes the brittle failure mode caused by shear effects, which are commonly observed in wall elements. Initially, a numerical model was developed based on the experimental doctoral thesis conducted by Ibrahim (2000) for reinforced concrete shear walls, and the validity of the model was confirmed by results consistent with experimental data. Additionally, uniaxial push-over analyses under axial loading were performed for the model with different reinforcement arrangements. Subsequently, eleven shortened models were created by reducing the total wall height by 900 mm each time, in accordance with the Turkish Seismic Code (TSC 2018). From these shortened models, one that satisfied the ductility condition was selected and expanded by 408 mm each time, resulting in sixteen different expansion models. The load-displacement curves of the shortened and extended models, the maximum stress values for reinforcement and concrete in critical regions, and the resulting damage conditions were compared. The load-displacement curves of all shortened and extended models were normalized by multiplying them by the ratio of wall height to width and the brittle and ductile behavior range of all models was determined in a single graph. Additionally, the compliance of the obtained performance results with the TSC 2018 regulations has been evaluated.