Load-Displacement Formulations of Low-rise Unbounded RC Shear Walls with or without Openings

Investigations of low-rice unbounded reinforced concrete shear walls with or without openings are performed with comparison of analytical and experimental results. Theoretical analysis is based on nonlinear finite element algorithm, which incorporates concrete failure criterion and nonlinear constitutive relationships. Studios focus on the effects of height-to-length ratio of shear walls, opening ratio, horizontal and vertical reinforcement radios, and diagonal reinforcement. Analytical solutions conform well with experimental results. Equations for cracking, yielding and ultimate loads with corresponding lateral displacements are derived by regression using analytical results and experimental data. Also, failure modes of low-rise unbounded shear walls are theoretically investigated. An explanation of change in failure mode is ascertained by comparing analytical results and ACI code equations. Shear-flexural failure can be obtained with additional flexural reinforcement to increase a wall's capacity. This concept leads to a design method of reducing flexural reinforcement in low-rise bounded solid shear wall's. Avoidance of shear failure as well as less reinforcement congestion leer these walls is expected.