Shear Walls: Aseismic Design and Detailing

Abstract

In this chapter are described various forms of shear walls such as cantilever walls, coupled walls, squat walls and walls with boundary elements and openings. The importance of adopting proper configuration of shear walls in a building layout is highlighted. Also in this chapter is described the commonly observed failure modes of shear walls. The theoretical background for their analysis under a seismic environment is described in detail. Capacity-based shear design of these walls is also dealt with. An important aspect of tension shift and its effect on wall reinforcement detailing is explained. The illustrative examples at end of the chapter include analysis and design of cantilever as well as squat shear walls and design of boundary elements.