In this research, nonlinear analysis of composite shear walls (CSWs) with a gap between reinforced concrete wall and steel frame is investigated under cyclic loading by the use of the finite element method (FEM) software ABAQUS. For the purpose of the verification, an experimental test is modelled and comparison of its obtained result with that of the experimental test demonstrates an inconsiderable difference between them; therefore, the reasonable accuracy of the modelling is revealed. Then, effects of different parameters on the behaviour of the CSWs are examined. Gap size between reinforced concrete wall and steel frame, reinforcement percentage, steel sections of beams and columns, and existence of reinforced concrete wall are considered as parameters. It is concluded that change of the parameters affects the ultimate strength, ductility, and energy dissipation of the system. A steel shear wall (SSW) is also modelled and compared with the CSWs. Buckling of the walls is presented as well.

To study the influence of temperature field and stress field on the cracking of the small thickness steel plate concrete composite shear wall (SPCW) in the early stage of construction. The temperature field and stress field of a 400 mm thickness SPCW was monitored and simulated through experimental research and numerical simulation. Moreover, a series of parameter analyses were carried out by using ANSYS to investigate the distribution of temperature field and stress field of SPCW. Based on the analysis results, some suggestions are put forward for controlling the cracking of SPCW in the early stage of construction. The results show that the temperature stress of 400 mm thickness SPCW in the early stage of construction is small, and there is no crack on the wall surface. For SPCW with thickness less than 800mm, the temperature stress caused by hydration heat in the early stage of construction is small, and the wall will not crack. The parameters such as wall thickness, steel plate thickness, boundary condition and stud space significantly influence the temperature field and stress field distribution of the small thickness SPCW in the early stage of construction, and reasonable maintenance measures can avoid cracking.