STUDIES IN RC FRAME-SHEAR WALL INTERACTION

Abstract

There are many lateral load resisting systems for rnultistoreyed buildings. The selection of a suitable, stable and economical system is still a matter of research. In reinforced concrete tall buildings, the lateral loads are commonly resisted by specially provided shear walls. The satisfactory performance of shear walls depends on the stiffening effect of floor diaphragms, which prevents buckling of walls. Very recently, the concept of providing storey deep and bay wide discrete panels to resist lateral loads has been introduced. Based on the displacement matrix method, sub structure techniques can make the analysis possible on micro computers. Static condensation, co-ordinate transformation, etc. are some techniques which reduces the number of unknowns from the stiffness equations. The present study is an attempt to investigate . the general behaviour of a variety of suitable and effective lateral load resisting using flexural panels in addition to shear walls. The flexural panels have been used in three diferent arrangements-vertical, zig-zag and diagonal; and their relative behaviour in terms of critical member forces and storey deflections has been reported. The results for these systems have been compared to bring out the difference in the behaviour amongst them with a view to establish more appropriate ones. It is concluded that the disposition of panels in zig-zag and diagonal fashion in the plane causes a considerable reduction in lateral deflections in comparison with the conventional vertical arrangements. Significant reductionin the shear . wall/panel base moments is achieved which is desirable feature in the design of the foundation for the shear walls.