Seismic design challenges: investigating bending moments, shear actions, and design parameters in RC walls according to the second generation of Eurocode 8

The ongoing revision of Eurocode 8 includes updates encompassing new ductility classifications, limits on damage control, conditions for local ductility, and corresponding detailing guidelines. It is crucial to thoroughly examine and compare these revisions with the existing provisions of Eurocode 8. The present research examines structural behaviour factors ( q ) for varying strut inclination angles (45° and 22°) and compares them against prEN 1998-1-2:2023 recommendations. Findings reveal consistent overperformance, highlighting the conservative estimations for structural redundancy offered by prEN 1998-1-2:2023. Plastic hinge lengths obtained through nonlinear analysis and FprEN 1998-1-1:2024 calculations are compared, showcasing conservative estimations prioritising safety. Observations indicate distinct trends in tension shift ( a l ) and critical height ( h cr ) compared to plastic hinge length ( l pl ), aligning with conservative approaches outlined in EN 1998–1:2004 and prEN 1998-1-2:2023. Additionally, the observed shear magnification factors (ɛ) may indicate a potential overestimation of shear forces attributed to the amplified effect of higher modes in the inelastic range combined with flexural overstrength.