Quasi-static cyclic tests on super-lightweight EPS concrete shear walls

• A new box-type structural system, called JK system, is introduced.
• Cyclic behavior of JK wall is experimentally and analytically investigated.
• Behavior of JK walls is quite comparable with conventional shear walls.
• Results indicate that low strength EPS concrete can be used in shear walls.

This study introduces a new emerging structural system, called JK system, which uses JK walls as its main structural elements. JK wall, first proposed by Joseph Kiefer, is a kind of shear wall constructed with low-strength/super-lightweight Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) concrete and reinforced by JK panel, JK stiffener and some additional steel rebars. The study experimentally examines behavior of three JK wall specimens with different reinforcement and level of gravity loads under quasi-static cyclic loading. Obtained results indicate that JK walls can sustain large ductility demands accompanied by stable hysteresis loops. All specimens are also numerically investigated in order to obtain a reliable analytical tool. In this paper, it is shown that a low-strength concrete, currently recognized as a nonstructural material, can be used as a structural concrete having a satisfactory behavior. Finally, a seven story building with JK system is considered to numerically study the above claim. However, more studies are still required to fully capture all short and long term features of structural EPS concrete elements.