Finite element analysis of reinforced concrete walls with openings in one- and two-way action

A nonlinear Layered Finite Element Method (LFEM) is used in this study to investigate the structural behaviour of vertically loaded reinforced concrete walls with openings. Thirty-five concrete walls with openings tested recently are analysed herein. The test variables are the number of openings, one- and two-way actions, the slenderness ratio (wall height over thickness) and high compressive strength concrete (HSC). The ultimate loads predicted by the LFEM are compared with the test data and the prediction due to a previously proposed empirical formula to verify the efficiency of the numerical method.