EFFECT OF OUT-OF-PLANE LOADING CONDITIONS ON SHEAR BEHAVIOR OF RC SHEAR WALLS

Abstract

Bi-directional loading tests on reinforced concrete walls were conducted with out-of-plane deformation and height of contraflexure point as parameters. The experimental results were discussed with FE analysis. The reduction of the in-plane load capacity due to out-of-plane loading was smaller when the wall was bent in single curvature compared to when in double curvature in the out-of-plane direction. An evaluation method of the in-plane shear capacity considering tri-directional loading proposed by the authors can capture the experimental results of the nine wall specimens with a margin of error ranging from -3 to +9%.