Seismic behavior of prefabricated alveolar type RC shear walls with cast-in-place embedded columns

Quasi-static tests under specific axial compression ratio of three reinforced concrete shear wall specimens with an aspect ratio of 2.13 were presented. Among the three specimens, one was a cast-in-place wall specimen CW-1; the other two were prefabricated wall specimens (PW-1, PW-2) with the connection of the columns at both ends and horizontal alveolar by casting concrete. The main difference between precast specimens was that, one specimen PW-1 without reinforcement in horizontal alveolar, and one specimen PW-2 with vertical reinforcing bars free lapping in horizontal alveolar. The test results indicate that the failure mode of the pre-cast wall specimens with horizontal alveolar is the same as that of the cast-in-place wall specimen, i.e., compressive failure of concrete and tensile yield of the vertical reinforcements at the bottom of the wall. The ultimate drift ratios of prefabricated specimens range from 1/48 to 1/53. Alveolar type connections can ensure the shear capacity of shear walls under normal operating condition. The hysteretic loop of PW-2 is plump, and horizontal bearing capacity is basically the same as the cast-in-place concrete specimen. Ductility performance satisfies requirements of the design code. Connection mode of vertical reinforcement free lapping in alveolar region of prefabricated walls is feasible under specific axial compression ratio, and can be applied by means of further tests and analysis.