Seismic performance of nonrectangular RC walls with limited transverse reinforcement

• Main Author: Wang, Chenghong
• Other Authors: Li Bing
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Civil engineering::Structures and design
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/55116
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Nonrectangular Reinforced Concrete (RC) walls especially those with L- and T-shaped cross section are commonly adopted in constructions and buildings; and these wall systems in moderate seismic hazard regions like Singapore are generally designed with limited transverse reinforcement. Despite this popularity of nonrectangular RC walls with inferior detailing in practical use, studies on the seismic performance of these wall systems and influence of loading direction are scarce. Therefore, a research study with the principal objective to investigate the seismic behavior of L- and T-shaped specimens with inferior detailing and in different loading directions was carried out. It included the preliminary tests for the reference of material properties, the experimental program on 2 L- and 2 T-shaped specimens loaded in orthogonal and skew direction respectively, and the analytical study utilizing fiber models to understand the comprehensive influence of loading direction and to validate the experimental program. Furthermore, the 3-D axial load-moment diagrams as well as the 3-D axial load-yield curvature diagrams were developed to serve as a design tool. This report reviews previous research on nonrectangular RC walls, and discusses the experimental tests and analytical studies of current project. The main findings are summarized, which could lead to better understanding and improved design guideline on nonrectangular RC walls.