Title:
Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls: Strength, Deformation Characteristics, and Failure Mechanism
Author(s):
Ioannis D. Lefas, Michael D. Kotsovos and Nicholas N. Ambraseys
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
87
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
23-31
Keywords:
axial loads; deformation; failure mechanisms; flexural strength; reinforced concrete; shear strength; stresses; structural design; walls; web reinforcement; Structural Research
DOI:
10.14359/2911
Date:
1/1/1990
Abstract:
Thirteen large-scale wall models were tested under the combined action of a constant axial and a horizontal load monotonically increasing to failure. The aim of the tests was to investigate the effects of parameters such as height-to-width ratio, axial load, concrete strength, and amount of web horizontal reinforcement on wall behavior. The results obtained have helped to identify the causes of wall failure and have demonstrated that the concepts underlying current ACI Building Code provisions for the design of walls are in conflict with the observed structural behavior. Shear resistance was found to be associated with triaxial compressive stress conditions that develop in the compressive zone of the section at the base of the wall rather than the strength of the tensile zone of this section.