Analysis of shear walls using higher order finite elements

Abstract

Shear walls can be simply and conveniently modelled by using higher order plane tress finite elements which have a higher degree of variation in the displacement (and consequently the stress) function. The derivation and generation of the stiffness matrices by a computer subroutine for a series of higher order plane stress rectangular elements with any number of nodes is explained in detail and the elements are applied in the idealization of different types of shear walls in which the spandrel beams and openings are treated as a continuum. Three examples of shear wall problems are analysed to illustrate the simplicity, versatility and accuracy of this method as compared with the results of other available methods. © 1979.