Experimental study of L-shaped slender R-ICF shear walls under cyclic lateral loading

Four slender shear walls with L-shaped cross sections were tested under the combined action of constant axial and cyclic lateral loads. The specimens were built with industrialized R-ICF panels in which vertical reinforcements are provided in the panels at the time of fabrication. In addition, these vertical bars are attached together using some spot welded crossties. This research was conducted to assess behavioral aspects of an L-shaped shear wall constructed with this system. Two levels of confinement were applied to the specimens by using additional confining hoops and the panel’s spot welded crossties. All the specimens exhibited a flexural mode of failure characterized by a crushing of the boundary elements. However, the occurrence of the web crushing phenomenon was shown to decrease the stiffness, strength and ductility and increase the rotation of the walls. Higher flexural strength of the walls in one direction against the other and the application of large inelastic lateral loads were important factors in increasing the possibility of web crushing.

► Four L-shaped R-ICF shear walls were tested in this study which have not been addressed in previous studies. ► No major damage in flanges or strength drop in the backward direction observed. ► Spot welded crossties of R-ICF panels have shown positive effect on behavior of walls. ► Web crushing made negative effects on strength and ductility in both directions. ► Web crushed specimens exhibited more rotation in their backward loading direction.