Deformation capacity of concrete walls: Research findings for both old and new design practice

Abstract

Recent research results are presented that investigate the seismic performance of both singly reinforced concrete walls in existing buildings and modern ductile RC walls subjected to high axial loads. Current assessment and design provisions do not adequately address these wall types and new models are presented to estimate failure mode and deformation capacity. The criteria to estimate walls vulnerable to axial failure could be implemented into seismic assessment guidelines to define those with a severe structural weakness. In addition, the refined model to estimate deformation capacity for ductile walls should be used in both new design and seismic assessment.