Seismically deficient reinforced concrete structures are widely present in many regions of the world. Structural deficiencies commonly found in old reinforced concrete structures are poor confinement, poor detailing and the presence of non ductile details (lap splices) at the plastic hinge region. The adverse effects of these deficiencies often translate to poor seismic performance due to poor energy dissipation capabilities, poor ductility behaviour, and the association of these effects with brittle failure mechanisms. The Seismic response of old deficient shear wall structures built in the 1960's and 1970's is investigated. The wall specimens investigated contain poor confinement, insufficient shear reinforcement, and lap splices of the longitudinal reinforcement located at the plastic hinge region. As a result of these deficiencies, the wall specimens have non-ductile response behaviour

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