Evaluating State-of-the-Art Models for the Seismic Response of RC Core Walls with Torsion

Reinforced concrete core walls serve as the primary lateral load-resisting system in mid- and high-rise buildings, providing stability against wind and earthquake forces. Many of these walls feature non-planar cross-sections that lead to complex deformation modes, which require discretizing the wall segments for accurate numerical simulation. This paper investigates the dynamic response of U-shaped RC core walls using state-of-the-practice micro- and macroscopic modeling techniques, namely: Three-dimensional solid elements, nonlinear Beam-Truss Models, the force–displacement version of the Multiple-Vertical-Line-Element-Model, and the Applied Element Method. These models are validated against newly obtained large-scale shake table test data, assessing both global and local structural responses. Key parameters, including displacements, shear forces, rotations, torque, strain distributions, and shear deformations, are analyzed to refine numerical modeling approaches. Findings highlight some of the limitations of the different modeling approaches and provide best-practice recommendations for engineers to improve predictive accuracy. This study advances the understanding of non-planar RC wall behavior, aiding in the development of more reliable seismic design methodologies.