Experimental and Numerical Seismic Evaluation of RC Walls Under Axial Compression

Recent studies show that code-based equations usually do not provide an accurate estimate for the shear strength of short reinforced concrete (RC) walls due to the negligence of many important factors including the beneficial effect of axial compression. In the current study, quasi-static reversed cyclic testing is conducted for two RC wall specimens, one under axial load and one without axial load to assess the effect of the axial compression on the shear strength of RC walls in high-rise buildings. The results of the experimental study show that the axial compression load significantly improves the shear strength of RC walls. Results are also compared with the performance-based seismic evaluation code practices. Based on the experimental findings, recommendations are made for improvements in the existing codes. The experimental results are further compared with different numerical models to explore the suitable computer modeling options for non-linear response prediction of RC walls.