Minimum thickness for ductile RC structural walls

• Published in: Engineering structures 2005-06, Vol.27 (7), p.1052-1063
• Main Authors: Chai, Y.H., Kunnath, S.K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buckling; Building structure; Buildings; Buildings. Public works; Computation methods. Tables. Charts; Construction (buildings and works); Ductility; Earthquake resistant design; Exact sciences and technology; External envelopes; Minimum wall thickness; Reinforced concrete; Reinforced concrete structure; Stability; Structural analysis. Stresses; Structural walls; Wall. Partition
• ISSN: 0141-0296; 1873-7323
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2005.02.004

An important issue in seismic design of concrete buildings concerns the stability of structural walls when subjected to intense earthquake ground motions. Large tensile strains, developed as a result of significant yielding in the wall, are a cause for concern since the stability of the wall depends on the magnitude of the tensile strain imposed on the wall. A critical condition exists where excessive out-of-plane displacement may occur upon load reversal prior to crack closure causing the wall to buckle. The potential for instability can be mitigated by requiring a minimum wall thickness to ensure that the in-plane lateral strength can be fully developed in the reversed direction. A methodology for assessing the minimum wall thickness is outlined in this paper and results are presented for a number of parameters including the ground motion intensity, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, floor weight, wall-to-floor area ratio and number of stories. The minimum wall thickness is compared with recommendations in current building codes.