Title: Effect of Prestressing on Shear Strengths of Cylindrical and Planar Walls with Low Aspect Ratio

Author(s): Hyeon-Keun Yang and Hong-Gun Park

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 121

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 21-36

Keywords: cyclic loading; cylindrical wall; delamination zone; posttensioning; shear strength

DOI: 10.14359/51739182

Date: 1/1/2024

Abstract:
To investigate the effect of prestressing on the shear strength of nuclear power plant containment structures, five reinforced or post-tensioned semi-cylindrical concrete walls and two planar walls were tested under cyclic lateral loading. The major test parameters were the presence of unbonded post-tensioning, the magnitude of horizontal prestressing force, and the use of crossties. The test results showed that because of the high reinforcement and prestressing ratio, web-crushing failure occurred in all specimens. The shear strengths of reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete (PSC) walls were greater than the nominal shear strength specified in the current design/evaluation methods. In the case of walls subjected to horizontal prestressing force, early delamination cracking occurred due to radial tensile stress. The delamination cracking was restrained by the use of crossties. Further, the effect of prestressing on the web-crushing strength was not significant. When the diameter of the cylindrical wall was the same as the length of the planar wall, the peak shear strength of the cylindrical wall was equivalent to that of the planar wall despite the different wall shape.