Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Numerical Investigation of the Hysteretic Behavior of Steel Plate Shear Walls with Corner Openings Considering Steel Damage

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Inas Jasim Kadhim 1
Mohammad Reza Sheidaii 2
1 PhD Student, Engineering Faculty, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
2 Professor, Engineering Faculty, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
10.22065/jsce.2025.528037.3753
Abstract
The widespread use of steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) in structures designed to withstand lateral forces, especially during seismic events, has gained significant traction due to their high load-bearing capacity and efficient energy dissipation capabilities. Previous studies have highlighted the significant influence of wall openings on the load-bearing characteristics of SPSWs. This study employs a detailed numerical approach using the finite element method to investigate the effects of corner openings on the performance of SPSWs. Twenty-seven numerical models were developed, incorporating variables such as plate thickness, the horizontal corner opening percentage (the size of corner openings along the horizontal direction, expressed as a percentage of the total boundary element length), and the opening aspect ratio (horizontal to vertical dimensions of the openings). These models were analyzed using ABAQUS, and nonlinear dynamic analysis was conducted to evaluate their performance. The results indicate that the value and configuration of openings play a decisive role in the seismic performance of SPSWs. While larger openings reduce lateral strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation, unequal openings of up to 10% achieve an optimal balance-effectively decreasing force demand without noticeably compromising performance. Plate slenderness showed minimal influence on failure behavior, confirming that the optimal design depends primarily on the controlled level of discontinuity rather than plate thickness.
Keywords
Steel plate shear wall
corner discontinuity
cyclic curves
bearing capacity
non-linearity of materials

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 30 June 2025
  • Revise Date 18 October 2025
  • Accept Date 28 November 2025