Experiences of structural failures in past earthquakes have shown that shearwalls offer excellent protection for buildings in seismic regions. As compared to the cantilever shearwalls, the framed shearwalls have an additional advantage inasmuch as the wall panels can be used as sacrificial elements to absorb seismic energy and protect the main structural frame. When a framed shearwall is under earthquake action, the wall panels inside the frame are subjected to shearing action. Considerable controversy has been raised in the past regarding the effectiveness of wall panels in developing shear ductility. Recent experimental studies in reinforced concrete show that shear ductility can indeed be obtained in wall panels, if the reinforcement are correctly designed. Additionally, the development of truss model theories allows for the prediction of shear ductility. These experimental and theoretical advancements have laid down the foundation for a scientific treatment of the behavior of framed shearwalls. This proposal is to study the behavior of framed wall panels subjected to monotonic, cyclic and dynamic loading. The research is designed to clarify the interaction of the wall panels and the frame members, so that the effect of the frame constraints on the shear ductility of a wall panel can be evaluated. Based on the static and dynamic behavior observed in the proposed tests, a simple method will be developed for the design of framed shear walls. This research will be carried out jointly by the University of Houston in the United States and the Tongji University in Shanghai, China. It will be part of the US- PRC Cooperative Program, Annex 3 - Cooperation in Earthquake Studies. The University of Houston will study the monotonic and cycle behavior of framed wall panels using the universal panel tester. Dynamic tests of framed wall panels simulating earthquake action will be performed at Tongji University using a shaking table.
