Evaluation of Experimental Work on Concrete Walls in One and Two-Way Action

Currently, the design of reinforced concrete wall panels under eccentric axial loading only is carried out using empirical or semi-empirical methods. These methods involve approximations, which are not always reliable and being empirical, their scope of application is limited. In particular walls supported on all sides (i.e. two-way action behaviour), made of high strength concrete strength or high slenderness ratios have been given little treatment in research. In view of this, the authors have undertaken an extensive investigation on the development of a more reliable and accurate wall design equation. This paper initially presents a brief overview of an experimental program undertaken. The experimental results are compared to the proposed design equation. Also the proposed design equation is compared to results from previous studies on this topic, confirming that the new equation is accurate and reliable.