Enhancing Seismic Performance of Steel Plate Shear Walls Through Innovative Design and Curved Shape Slots

This study introduces innovative Steel Plate Shear Walls (SPSWs) with a specific shape as seismic energy dissipative devices for both new and existing structures. These systems incorporate curved shape slots and varying opening ratios, significantly impacting their seismic performance. A comprehensive numerical investigation of the cyclic behavior of these panels is conducted using the Finite Element Method (FEM) with ABAQUS software. The numerical model is validated by means of the comparison with experimental data of previously tested specimens available in the literature. The analyses provide a thorough assessment of the hysteretic behavior of specimens, including key performance metrics, such as maximum load-carrying capacity, initial stiffness, and out-of-plane displacements up to 5% drift. Additionally, eigenvalue analysis is employed to calculate the critical elastic buckling load for each specimen. The study compares the ratio between the yielding force and the elastic buckling force, as well as critical parameters influencing out-of-plane deformations, for each configuration. Finally, the optimal configuration of innovative SPSWs with a specific shape, incorporating curved shape slots, is suggested based on design parameters related to the hysteretic behavior.