Model Investigations of Shear Wall Structures

Results are presented from a series of tests on perspex models to illustrate the behavior of three-dimensional shear wall structures subjected to combined bending and torsion. Three 20-story models of varying complexity were employed, representing the cross-wall form of construction associated with apartment blocks. Deflection profiles are presented for all wall assemblies, together with the bending stress distribution at specific levels. The results are compared with those from an influence coefficient analysis based on the continuous connection technique. Good agreement is reached between theory and experiment, the discrepancies being least when torsional deformations are small compared to flexural deformations. The theoretical analysis indicates that a considerable redistribution of load between the different structural elements occurs throughout the height of the building.