Experimental evaluation of the strut-and-tie method applied to low-rise concrete walls

Abstract

The strut-and-tie method (S-T) is a practical tool for the seismic design of reinforced concrete elements. Experimental and analytical research with low-rise concrete walls was carried out for assessing the S-T method proposed by the current ACI-318 building code. Four specimens designed to fail during shear and shaking table tests were included in the experimental programme. The variables studied consisted of the type of concrete (normal and cellular weight), the amount of steel web (0.125% and 0.25%) and the type of web reinforcement against shear (corrugated bars and welded wire mesh). Wall properties were typical of low-rise housing in Mexico. When the calculated shear strength was compared with the measured one it was found that the S-T method proposed by the ACI-318 building code suitably estimated the shear capacity of the models being studied. However, the wall’s shear failure mode, loading rate, the number of cycles and the cumulative energy dissipated would noticeably affect the degradation in strength of low-rise, reinforced concrete walls