Analytical model for predicting shear strength of squat walls

A softened strut-and-tie model for determining the shear strength of squat walls is proposed in this paper. The proposed model originates from the str ut-and-tie concept and satisfies equilibrium, compatibility, and constituti ve laws of cracked reinforced concrete. The shear capacities of 62 squat wa lls were calculated and compared with the available experimental results, a nd reasonable agreement was obtained. Based on the collected experimental d ata in this paper, the proposed physical model was used to study the effect s of boundary elements, cyclic loading, and vertical loads on the wall shea r strength. The softened strut-and-tie model can be further developed to im prove the current shear wall design procedures by incorporating the actual shear resisting mechanisms in predicting shear strength of walls.