A Finite-Element Model for the Lateral Stiffness and Vibration Characteristics of RС Shear Walls Strengthened with Composite Sheets: Creep and the Shrinkage Effect

The effect of creep and shrinkage of reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls, strengthened with thin composite sheets, on their static and dynamic behavior is investigated. A finite-element model for their lateral stiffness and vibration characteristics is presented. Several test problems are examined to demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the method proposed. Numerical results are obtained for four nonuniform distributions of graphite and boron fibers in epoxy matrices, and they demonstrate the significance of time-dependent effects on the lateral displacements and frequencies of the structures considered.