Assessment of elastic lateral displacements of walls with multiple openings considering an equivalent opening and the slab stiffness

Abstract

Approximations obtained with the equivalent frame method and Beck-Coull method to assess elastic lateral displacement profiles of walls with multiple openings per story are compared to results obtained with the finite element method using reasonably fine meshes. Multistory walls were studied, considering symmetric and asymmetric distribution of two openings per story with respect to a vertical axis. The contribution of slabs in the lateral stiffness was considered through an equivalent flange as recommended in the masonry guidelines of Mexican codes. Different stiffnesses are considered for the walls and the slabs. An updated proposal to define an equivalent opening from multiple openings per story is evaluated. From the obtained results it is confirmed that approximations obtained with the studied methods is improved: a) as multiple openings are more regular and symmetric and, b) as the number of stories of the wall increases in the Beck-Coull method. The contribution of the stiffness of the slab has an important impact for walls with typical door openings, but it is less important for walls with only typical window openings, particularly if multiple window openings are symmetrically disposed.

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