Nonlinear Modeling of C-Shaped Reinforced Concrete Walls Tested under Wind and Seismic Loading Protocols

This study presents the development and validation of nonlinear analytical models for C-shaped RC walls subjected to wind and seismic loading protocols. The models aim to support the use of performance-based wind design (PBWD) by accurately simulating the behavior of flanged RC walls under complex (biaxial) loading protocols. Four one-third-scale wall specimens were tested to investigate the effects of longitudinal reinforcement ratios, axial load variations, and detailing practices on the measured responses of ordinary structural walls. The walls were subjected to wind and seismic loading protocols, and their responses were compared with numerical simulations conducted using commercially available software. The results of the analytical models demonstrated good agreement with experimental results for base moment–rotation responses and axial strains, although some limitations were noted in predicting out-of-plane instability and strain localization due to the presence of torsion and lap splices. Enhanced modeling approaches, including modeling of strain penetration and lap splice representations, improved the prediction of slip-induced deformations. The findings provide practical modeling recommendations for PBWD applications and highlight the importance of using refined modeling techniques to capture failure mechanisms in RC walls.