Abstract
The seismic performance of prefabricated reinforced concrete block masonry shear walls (PRMSWs) was studied. Five PRMSWs were tested under cyclic loading to evaluate the effect of the axial compression ratio and the distribution of the vertical rebar on the inelastic behavior. Based on the experimental results, the lateral load capacity, failure mode, lateral drift, ductility, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation, and the seismic performance stability of the specimens were analyzed. The finite element analysis of the specimens was conducted with ABAQUS, which agreed quite well with the laboratory findings. Relevant results showed that PRMSW exhibited favorable ductility and energy dissipation. The increase of the compression ratio led to stiffer, but more brittle, inelastic behavior of the specimens that had higher flexural strength. The shear walls that had concentrated vertical rebar at the sides exhibited relatively higher load capacity and less ductility compared to the walls that had evenly distributed rebar. The inelastic lateral drift limit of the PRMSW could be assigned 1/120. The equivalent viscous damping ratio of the PRMSW was 9–13% at ultimate load. These results provide a technical basis for the design and application of the PRMSW structures.
Highlights
With the accelerated process of global urbanization, the construction industry has developed rapidly, and large-scale, environmental, and efficient construction is becoming more urgent in civil engineering
When the specimens reached the ultimate displacement, the maximum stress of the masonry wall occurred at the compression side of the wall, and the maximum stress of the rebar appeared at the tension side, indicating the typical damage characteristics of flexural failure
The influence of the axial compression ratio and the vertical rebar distribution on the stress of the masonry wall and the rebar can be observed at the numerical results
Summary
With the accelerated process of global urbanization, the construction industry has developed rapidly, and large-scale, environmental, and efficient construction is becoming more urgent in civil engineering. The reinforced masonry shear wall (RMSW) structure is one of the most popular building forms, applied in medium- and high-rise buildings, because of its advantages in construction cost and efficiency as well as its good bearing capacity [4]. RMSWs have some defects, due to the cleaning-hole blocks in the bottom layer of the shear wall, such as a complicated construction procedure and reduced integrity [5]. It is not appropriate for the trend of prefabrication and industrialization in the current construction market.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
