Load-Displacement Envelopes of Shear-Dominated Concrete Walls based on a Three-Parameter Kinematic Theory

In this paper the complete load-displacement response of shear-dominated reinforced concrete walls is studied with a three-parameter kinematic theory (3PKT). The 3PKT is a rational and efficient approach based on a three-degree-of-freedom description of the deformation patterns in walls with aspect ratios ≤3.0. In addition to kinematics, the 3PKT also includes equations for equilibrium and constitutive relationships for the load-bearing mechanisms in walls. The paper summarizes this approach and applies it to tests from the literature featuring a wide range of variables. It is shown that the 3PKT captures adequately the local and global response of both rectangular walls and walls with barbells.