Seismic shear forces on RC walls: review and bibliography

Abstract

Effect of higher vibration modes on the seismic shear demand of reinforced concrete cantilever walls has been studied since the 1970’s. The shear amplification becomes more important with increasing fundamental period (tall buildings) and increasing ductility demand (R or q factors). Yet, studying the relevant recommendations of structural engineering researchers and provisions of various seismic codes reveals that there is no consensus regarding the extent of shear amplification and of the inter-wall distribution of shear demand in structural systems comprising walls of different lengths. The paper presents the available formulas for predicting shear amplification in ductile walls and dual systems (wall-frames). One effect that impacts the shear amplification is shear cracking mainly in the plastic hinge zone of the wall near the base leading to appreciably lower shear amplification than previously predicted. Post yield shear redistribution among interconnected unequal walls is also addressed. Finally, an extensive bibliography is provided.