Title: Strength and Deformation Characteristics of Reinforced Concrete Walls Under Load Reversals

Author(s): Ioannis D. Lefas and Michael D. Kotsovos

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 87

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 716-726

Keywords: deformation; failure; flexural strength; loads (forces); reinforced concrete; repairs; shear strength; strength; walls; Structural Research

DOI: 10.14359/2994

Date: 11/1/1990

Abstract:
Investigates the effect of loading history and repair methods on the structural characteristics of reinforced concrete walls. Large-scale slender wall models were tested to failure, then unloaded, repaired, and retested to destruction under various regimes of cyclic horizontal loading. It was found that, while repairing only the damaged regions of the compressive zone was sufficient to fully restore wall strength, the additional use of epoxy resins to heal major flexural and inclined web cracks led only to a marginal improvement of the structural characteristics, the latter being distinctly inferior to those of the original walls. Such results are in compliance with the concept of the compressive force path and demonstrate that, in contrast to widely held views, the compressive zone is the main contributor to shear resistance.