Optimizing Reinforcement Strategies for Improved Flexural Behavior in Reinforced Concrete Walls

Abstract This study investigates the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete walls through the testing of eight large-scale cantilever structural wall (CSW) specimens, categorized into two groups with varying steel reinforcement configurations and aspect ratios. The specimens underwent monotonically increasing lateral loading until failure. Key test parameters included the addition of vertical steel reinforcement in boundary elements, vertical steel reinforcement in boundary elements with steel mesh near the foundation, and the incorporation of diagonal embedded columns. A control specimen, reinforced with traditional methods, was also examined. The results demonstrate that different steel reinforcement configurations led to significant increases in both cracking loads (8.3% to 72.86%) and peak loads (5.27% to 54.51%). Notably, specimens reinforced with vertical reinforcement in boundary elements, along with diagonal mesh near the foundation, exhibited the highest peak load increases of 52.71% and 54.51% for aspect ratios of 1.5 and 2.0, respectively. Moreover, the use of vertical steel reinforcement in boundary elements resulted in substantially higher ductility, with increases of 128% and 41.7% for aspect ratios of 1.5 and 2.0, respectively. The study concluded by employing nonlinear 3D finite element analysis in the ABAQUS program to predict the behavior of reinforced concrete shear wall test specimens subjected to a combination of axial and lateral forces, achieving predictions of acceptable accuracy. This research contributes valuable insights to the understanding of reinforced concrete wall behavior, with potential implications for structural design and engineering applications.