STABILITY OF DUCTILE STRUCTURAL WALLS

Based on the observed response in tests of rectangular structural wall s subjected to severe simulated earthquake actions and theoretical con siderations Of fundamental structural behavior, recommendations are ma de for the prediction of the onset of out-of-plane buckling. It is pos tulated that the major sources of instability of the compression zone of the wall section within the plastic hinge region are inelastic tens ile steel strains imposed by preceding earthquake-induced displacement s, rather than excessive compression strains. Relevant design recommen dations are made.