Introduction of stiffened large rectangular openings in steel plate shear walls

Abstract The nonlinear behavior of steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) with stiffened large rectangular openings used as windows or doors in buildings is studied. A number of SPSWs with and without openings are numerically analyzed, and the results are utilized (a) to characterize the behavior of SPSWs with the openings, (b) to study the effects of various opening features as well as size of local boundary elements (LBE) around the opening and thickness of infill plates on either side of the opening and (c) to investigate the changes in the system strength, stiffness and ductility due to the introduction of the openings. Results show that the procedure addressed by AISC Design Guide 20 for design of beams above and below the opening level is not perfect. Use of thicker or thinner infill plates or weaker profiles for the LBE can alter the yielding sequence in the system. Notably, the type, location and geometry of stiffened openings are not influential themselves on the system strength, although different LBE sizes required for different openings may have some effects. The introduction of stiffened openings in different SPSWs increases both the ultimate strength and stiffness, while somewhat decreases the ductility ratio.