Inherent Ductility of Non-seismically Designed and Detailed Reinforced Concrete Shear Wall-frame Buildings

Abstract

A large-scale reinforced concrete shear wall-frame designed and detailed without seismic consideration, as practised in low probability of seismic occurrence regions, is tested under reversed cyclic loading. The seismic behaviour and available displacement ductility of the structure and structural members are investigated. The inherent ductility, derived from the experimental test, is compared with theoretical values for reliability check. The ductility demand factor of nonseismically designed and detailed ordinary moment resisting frames, subjected to low to moderate seismic events, has been evaluated and used as basis for the required estimate of ductility demands. By correlating the available ductility with the required ductility demands, it is concluded that an ordinary shear wall-frame with non-seismic design and detailing could not possess the ductility to adequately respond to an unexpected low to moderate earthquake.