Performance of Wood-Frame Wall with Thin ECC Shear Panel

The study evaluates an alternative to traditional wood-framed shear wall construction, an innovative use of a water and seismic damage resistant, wood-concrete-composite (WCC). The WCC design consisted of a thin layer of engineered cementitious composite (ECC) cast in a traditional wood frame. Structural performance and damage sustained during lateral loading and cost were evaluated, and compared to a traditional wood frame with OSB sheathing. Monotonic tests of WCC walls show that the average maximum load was $47.5\mathrm{kN}$ $\left(\mathrm{10,700}\mathrm{lb}\right)$ , average elastic shear stiffness was $1.78\mathrm{kN}∕\mathrm{mm}$ $(\mathrm{10,200}\mathrm{lb}∕\mathrm{in.})$ and average energy absorbed was $\mathrm{4,810}\mathrm{J}$ $\left(\mathrm{42,600}\mathrm{lb}\text{-}\mathrm{in.}\right)$ . Tests show WCC is comparable with or superior to the OSB wall in shear strength and stiffness, energy absorption and ductility. During lateral loading the WCC appeared to sustain less damage than the OSB wall. Panelized construction of the WCC may increase cost but yield benefits such as decreased construction time and greater durability. WCC appears to be a viable shear wall system that should be refined and tested for building code compliance.