New methodology of backbone curve for RC perforated shear walls

Following a series of experiments on isolated low-rise RC shear walls with openings, a theoretical study on the backbone curve of a perforated shear wall shows that there are some important observations from experimental results that make clear a semi-empirical formula of the backbone curve of a perforated wall. Critical shear zones can be depicted from the configuration of shear walls with openings. Different factors, including the size and location of shear wall openings, the wall\'s height/width ratio, horizontal and vertical steel bar ratios, and location and amount of diagonal steel bars are involved in the derivation of the backbone curve. Bending and shear effects are also considered in the paper. In addition, a comparison of load and displacement for solid and perforated shear walls is discussed. Generally, the comparison between experimental curves and computed backbone curves is favorable.