Seismic performance evaluation of code compliant and non-compliant RC walls

Abstract

ABSTRACT Pakistan’s unique geographical location has made it seismically vulnerable. Owing to this, recentearthquakes have revealed the susceptibility of the existing reinforced concrete (RC)buildings in Pakistan. This has raised concerns about the structural performanceof RC buildings because mostmid-rise RC buildingsin Pakistan have shear wall lateral force resisting systems. In this study, a survey ofexisting mid-rise RC buildings in Pakistan's capital territory is used todevelop a database of existing RC shear walls. By using this database, this research aims to provide a seismic performance assessment of existing RC shear wallsto determine their deficiencies and provide necessary experimental data for retrofitting. TwoRC shear wall specimens SW1 and SW2, representing the characteristics of existingRC shear walls are testedunder quasi-static loading. The seismic response of the existing RC mid-risewalls isassessed through the mode of failure, hysteretic behavior, energy dissipation,flexure and shear stiffness,and curvaturedistribution.The findings reveal that the existing mid-rise RC walls in the region did notsatisfy the performance criteria recommended by different seismic codes. Hence a comprehensive retrofitting strategy with building codecompliance are prerequisites to avoid infrastructural and economic losses dueto seismic activity.