An analytical approach for design of reinforced concrete shear walls against lateral in-plane shear and comparison with codified methods

Abstract

An analytical approach for the design of reinforced concrete shear walls against in-plane direct and shear stresses induced in the wall has been formulated. Comparison of the approach with the graphical method based on the construction of the Mohr circle has validated the approach and proved it to be a more direct one to arrive at the optimal solutions. The formulation is based on the work of Clark [The provisions of tension and compression reinforcement to resist in-plane forces. Mag Concr Res. 1976;28(94):3–12] in which he put forward equations for skew or orthogonal reinforcements to resist in-plane stresses. However, Clark’s work was based on zero concrete tensile strength while the current approach takes the concrete tensile strength into account which provides a set of formulae for checking shears and providing reinforcements in the vertical and horizontal directions as necessary for different ranges of axial and shear stresses. The design is also a holistic one by which in-plane axial load, bending and shear in the shear wall are designed for in a single attempt. Comparisons of the results by the analytical approach with codified methods as outlined in the American Concrete Institute codes, New Zealand Code, China Concrete Code, BS8110 and BS5400 have also been carried out. Accuracy and economy of design are discussed.