Proposed Design Equation for One-Way RC Walls with Openings Strengthened Using CFRP
The presence of openings in reinforced concrete (RC) walls leads to a marked reduction in both axial load capacity and overall stiffness, thereby compromising structural performance. To mitigate these adverse effects and maintain safety, various strengthening methods have demonstrated effectiveness in restoring and enhancing the structural capacity of RC walls containing openings. In the present study, a finite element modeling strategy is proposed and verified against two experimental investigations available in the literature. The comparison reveals strong correlation between the numerical simulations and the experimental findings, confirming the reliability of the modeling approach. Building on this validation, an extensive parametric analysis is performed. The outcomes of this study are then employed to formulate an empirical design expression that incorporates the primary governing parameters for predicting the axial load capacity of one-way RC walls with a single rectangular or square opening retrofitted using externally bonded (EB) CFRP sheets.