Abstract
The seismic provisions of ACI 318–08 permit two different procedures for evaluating the need for “special” boundary elements in structural walls. The first method is based on an approximation of the maximum fiber concrete compressive stresses calculated using wall gross section properties and an assumed linear distribution of stresses over the depth. The second method places a limit on the compression zone depth of the wall. These methods are based on studies of uncoupled continuous walls, and their applicability to coupled walls is unclear. A parametric study consisting of eight coupled core wall buildings with varying geometric dimensions is presented. The states of concrete stress, strain, and compression zone depth in the wall piers at code level forces are investigated. Based on evaluation of the two procedures permitted by ACI 318–08, it is concluded that neither procedure is appropriate for wall piers in coupled core wall systems. Cross-sectional fiber analysis is a more effective evaluation tool.
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