Thomas Paulay

Bio: Thomas Paulay is an academic researcher from University of Canterbury. The author has contributed to research in topics: Shear wall & Seismic analysis. The author has an hindex of 22, co-authored 49 publications receiving 3755 citations.

Reinforced Concrete Structures

Abstract: The Design Approach. Stress--Strain Relationships for Concrete and Steel. Basic Assumptions of Theory for Flexural Strength. Strength of Members with Flexure. Strength of Members with Flexure and Axial Load. Ultimate Deformation and Ductility of Members with Flexure. Strength and Deformation of Members with Torsion. Bond and Anchorage. Service Load Behavior. Strength and Ductility of Frames. Shear Walls of Multistory Buildings. The Art of Detailing.

Coupling Beams of Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls

Abstract: The behavior of short and relatively deep reinforced concrete beams, which occur in shear walls of multistory structures, and the damage or failure of which has been observed in recent earthquakes, is examined. Experimental and analytical studies indicate that their ultimate flexural capacity is reduced by large shearing forces, even if a diagonal tension failure is prevented by adequate web reinforcement. After diagonal cracking, the distribution of internal forces radically differs from that observed in beams of normal proportions. The flexural reinforcement is found to be in tension in areas where compression is expected, and this affects the beam's ductility. Shear deformations of diagonally cracked coupling beams greatly overshadow those causd by flexure. With the aid of a model of the cracked beam its stiffness can be approximated. This satisfactorily agrees with observations which indicate that the stiffness after cracking is less than 20% of the stiffness of uncracked coupling beams.

Stability of Ductile Structural Walls

Abstract: Based on the observed reponse in tests of rectangular structural walls subject to severe simulated earthquake actions and theoretical considerations of fundamental structural behavior, recommendations are made for the prediction of the onset of out-of-plane buckling. It is postulated that the major sources of instability of the compression zone of the wall section within the plastic hinge region are inelastic tensile steel strains imposed by preceding earthquake-induced displacements, rather than excessive compression strains. Relevant design recommendations are made.

Theoretical stress strain model for confined concrete

Abstract: A stress‐strain model is developed for concrete subjected to uniaxial compressive loading and confined by transverse reinforcement. The concrete section may contain any general type of confining steel: either spiral or circular hoops; or rectangular hoops with or without supplementary cross ties. These cross ties can have either equal or unequal confining stresses along each of the transverse axes. A single equation is used for the stress‐strain equation. The model allows for cyclic loading and includes the effect of strain rate. The influence of various types of confinement is taken into account by defining an effective lateral confining stress, which is dependent on the configuration of the transverse and longitudinal reinforcement. An energy balance approach is used to predict the longitudinal compressive strain in the concrete corresponding to first fracture of the transverse reinforcement by equating the strain energy capacity of the transverse reinforcement to the strain energy stored in the concret...

"building code requirements for structural concrete (aci 318-11) and commentary"

Abstract: The “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete” (“Code”) covers the materials, design, and construction of structural concrete used in buildings and where applicable in nonbuilding structures. The Code also covers the strength evaluation of existing concrete structures. Among the subjects covered are: contract documents; inspection; materials; durability requirements; concrete quality, mixing, and placing; formwork; embedded pipes; construction joints; reinforcement details; analysis and design; strength and serviceability; flexural and axial loads; shear and torsion; development and splices of reinforcement; slab systems; walls; footings; precast concrete; composite flexural members; prestressed concrete; shells and folded plate members; strength evaluation of existing structures; provisions for seismic design; structural plain concrete; strut-and-tie modeling in Appendix A; alternative design provisions in Appendix B; alternative load and strength reduction factors in Appendix C; and anchoring to concrete in Appendix D. The quality and testing of materials used in construction are covered by reference to the appropriate ASTM standard specifications. Welding of reinforcement is covered by reference to the appropriate American Welding Society (AWS) standard. Uses of the Code include adoption by reference in general building codes, and earlier editions have been widely used in this manner. The Code is written in a format that allows such reference without change to its language. Therefore, background details or suggestions for carrying out the requirements or intent of the Code portion cannot be included. The Commentary is provided for this purpose. Some of the considerations of the committee in developing the Code portion are discussed within the Commentary, with emphasis given to the explanation of new or revised provisions. Much of the research data referenced in preparing the Code is cited for the user desiring to study individual questions in greater detail. Other documents that provide suggestions for carrying out the requirements of the Code are also cited.

Mechanistic Seismic Damage Model for Reinforced Concrete

Abstract: A model for evaluating structural damage in reinforced concrete structures under earthquake ground motions is proposed. Damage is expressed as a linear function of the maximum deformation and the effect of repeated cyclic loading. Available static (monotonic) and dynamic (cyclic) test data were analyzed to evaluate the statistics of the appropriate parameters of the proposed damage model. The uncertainty in the ultimate structural capacity was also examined.

Seismic Damage Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Buildings

Abstract: Experiences from past strong earthquakes, such as the 1968 Miyakiken-Oki earthquake in Japan and the 1971 San Fernando earthquake in California, have shown the vulnerability of reinforced concrete buildings to strong ground shakings. For economic reasons, however, some level of damage should be expected and permitted in the aseismic design of structures, particularly of low-rise buildings. In spite of this recognition, the potential seismic damage of structures and the associated aseismic provisions are based largely on qualitative engineering judgment. In order to assess the seismic safety of reinforced concrete buildings, the quantitative analysis of structural damage under random earthquake excitations needs to be improved.

Probabilistic Capacity Models and Fragility Estimates for Reinforced Concrete Columns based on Experimental Observations

Abstract: A methodology to construct probabilistic capacity models of structural components is developed. Bayesian updating is used to assess the unknown model parameters based on observational data. The approach properly accounts for both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. The methodology is used to construct univariate and bivariate probabilistic models for deformation and shear capacities of circular reinforced concrete columns subjected to cyclic loads based on a large body of existing experimental observations. The probabilistic capacity models are used to estimate the fragility of structural components. Point and interval estimates of the fragility are formulated that implicitly or explicitly reflect the influence of epistemic uncertainties. As an example, the fragilities of a typical bridge column in terms of maximum deformation and shear demands are estimated.