Experimental assessment of low‐aspect‐ratio, reinforced concrete shear wall stiffness

Low‐aspect‐ratio, reinforced concrete shear walls are the primary lateral‐load‐carrying element in many structures designed for protective purposes. A review of the technical literature shows that considerable uncertainty exists regarding the elastic stiffness these structures will exhibit during seismic excitation. Because of this uncertainty, current design practice often employs a stiffness reduction factor. In an attempt to develop accurate information regarding the stiffness of these structures, 13 shear wall elements were tested statically; dynamically, with simulated seismic base excitations on a shake table; and with experimental modal analysis procedures. Results of these tests show that the shear wall's stiffness can be accurately estimated with a mechanics‐of‐materials analysis that accounts for shear deformation.