Evaluation of Seismic Performance of Structural Concrete Walls through Linear Methods

The design of structural walls is an integral of the overall structural design process. Proper dimensioning and configuration play a crucial role in ensuring the strength and stability of a building, especially in regions with high seismic risk. Therefore, structural walls are widely employed in such countries. However, there are numerous methods to design and verify the behaviour of a structural wall, such the use of various calculation software applying pushover analysis, section cracking, equivalent inertia, and simulations. These methods are a better alternative than laboratory testing, they require less time and resources. The objective of this article is to provide design recommendations for different types of structural walls, following the guidelines outlined in the ACI 318 code. These wall types include concrete-steel composites, reinforced concrete, and veneer walls. The recommendations presented in this research article cover essential aspects such as material properties, reinforcement equivalences, and reduction factors. These factors are obtained through iterative structural analysis, ensuring reliable results, and preserving the structural integrity of the walls.