Experimental Study and Finite Element Modelling of Squat Shear Walls under Combined Cyclic Loads and High Axial Loads

Experimental observations on three reinforced concrete shear walls with small span-to-depth ratio (SDR) under combined high vertical axial load and horizontal cyclic loads are presented. The influence of (ALR) the failure mode, hysteretic behaviour, displacement ductility, strength stiffness squat is investigated. In addition, a novel built-in strain gauges measuring system employed for conditions in reinforcements during whole test process. Test results indicate that restrains development cracks improves capacity, but it also decreases ductility energy dissipation aggravates degradation. Concrete crush out-of-plane buckling were observed all specimens, resulting final specimens. According to analysis, section coincided well assumption plane condition ALR. With increase ALR, depth compression zone members increases, while length plastic hinge decreases. When relatively small, provided almost equal contribution capacity walls. However, extremely load, both cannot provide full capacity. behaviours tested simulated by softened membrane model (CSMM). Simulation CSMM captured nonlinear characteristics wall load.