International research framework and priorities for reinforced concrete wall buildings

Recent earthquakes have highlighted discrepancies between the intended and observed performance of RC walls and significant research is in progress to improve the seismic performance of RC wall buildings. An international group of researchers and practitioners developed a research framework in order to conduct a project mapping and prioritisation exercise for RC wall research. The process by which this research framework and mapping exercise were conducted is described. The framework was used to identify research priorities that would provide a basis for the direction of future research. High priority topics included, shear demands and capacities, effect of load-rate and loading history, seismic assessment of older walls, residual capacity and repairability, non-rectangular and core walls, and whole of building response.