WHAM: a simple and transparent non-linear sectional analysis tool for RC walls and building cores

This paper will initially provide an overview of a recently developed analysis program for undertaking non-linear sectional analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) walls and building cores. The program, notionally named WHAM, was developed as a simple-to-use, user friendly and transparent analysis tool that can be downloaded and used free-of-charge. The program is intended to be used as a design tool to assist structural engineers, as a research tool for academics and postgraduate students or as an educational tool for undergraduate engineering students. The program is written using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) scripts, which allows the user to very easily customise and alter the program based on their respective requirements. The program produces nonlinear back-bone moment-curvature and force-displacement curves for slender (i.e. flexure controlled) RC cross-sections. Additionally, the program generates interactive curves (i.e. axial load vs. moment) for the RC cross-section. After presenting WHAM, the paper is then concluded with a brief overview and results of a parametric study, which was undertaken using the program, to determine simplified design equations for quickly approximating the non-linear response of RC walls.