Nonlinear behavior of composite shear walls with vertical steel encased profiles

Research on seismic engineering of buildings using composite steel–concrete structural systems has increased in the past decade. One horizontal resisting system for buildings, placed in seismic areas, is the composite steel–concrete structural shear wall with steel encased profiles (CSRCW). The benefits of this structural system, relative to more common systems, include the performance characteristics when subjected to service or ultimate loads. The present paper summarizes the experimental results of recent research made on six experimental steel–concrete composite elements 1:3 scale, tested in laboratory under cyclic lateral loads. The experimental elements differ by the arrangement of the steel shapes embedded in the cross section of the wall and by the cross section type of the steel encased profiles. All specimens were tested under constant vertical load and cyclically increasing horizontal (lateral) loads. The tests were performed until failure. Using the recorded data during the tests, the following parameters are presented and discussed: maximum load capacity, stress and strain distribution in structural components (reinforcements, structural steel and on concrete surface), interstory drifts, cracking patterns, deformation and degradation capacity.

► The CSRCW can be used for buildings placed in seismic areas.
► This structural system using CSRCW can offer lateral strength and adequate stiffness for controlling drift.
► The tested CSRCW shown similar behavior as the RC shear walls.