A STUDY FOR FACTORS AFFECTING CURVATURE DUCTILITY IN CONCRETE SHEAR WALLS IN ACCORDANCE TO THE ARABIC CODE IN YEMEN

Abstract

Securing ductility in earthquake –resistant construction systems is one of the main reasons that justify the need to lower forces caused by earthquakes in which these construction systems are built on. Shear walls are considered one of the most significant systems used to increase earthquake resistance for buildings. In this paper, I have analyzed a considerable number of factors that could affect curvature ductility of shear walls. Factors such as the distribution of reinforcement and percentage of reinforcement in both evenly distribution of reinforcement and concentrated in the ends. Moreover, the regular load stress put on walls, the length of the wall in addition to the characteristics of the material used in construction. From the results of the paper it was found that with the increase of reinforcement percentage, ductility decreases in shear walls, which has systematic reinforcement. However, it stays stable in walls with concentrated reinforcement in the two ends of the wall. In terms of the effects of the stress caused by the regular load of construction, it was found curvature ductility decreases when the load is high. However, it becomes almost nonexistent when the regular load is more than half the maximum regular load permitted.