A Critical Review of the Seismic Design Provisions for Ductile Shear Walls of the Canadian Code and Commentary

Authors:
  • TPT. Paulay
    T. Paulay
  • SUS. M. Uzumeri
    S. M. Uzumeri
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Abstract
The 1975 Canadian Building Code for the design of reinforced concrete shear wall buildings in high seismic risk areas includes provisions that are new and significant. This paper critically examines some of these provisions, especially as they apply to cantilever shear walls. Clarifications in the definitions of curvature, member, and system ductilities are attempted. The relationship between curvature and system ductility is examined. Code provisions on allowable shear stress in the wall in the plastic hinge region and the provisions for the classification of the walls are discussed. Attention of the designer is drawn to some aspects of the code and the commentary that may result in structures of doubtful safety.