Predictive Shear Strength Equations of RC Squat shear Walls

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Mataria, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt

2 Department of Civil Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

This study critically evaluates the predictive accuracy of ten semi-empirical equations for the peak shear strength of rectangular reinforced concrete (RC) squat walls using an expanded database of 170 experimental tests. Equations from ACI 318 (-08, -14, -19), ASCE 41-06, ASCE 43-05, CSA A23.3-04, ECP 203-20, Barda et al. (1977), Wood (1990), Gulec et al. (2011), and Kassem (2015) were assessed through statistical and graphical analyses. Results reveal that the Gulec and Wood models exhibit superior predictive performance with median absolute error (MAE) values of 8.5% and 9.2%, respectively, and low coefficients of variation. In contrast, equations from ACI 318-08, ASCE 43-05, and Barda overestimate shear strength by up to 15%, while CSA A23.3-04 significantly underpredicts, with errors exceeding 20%. These findings highlight critical deficiencies in existing methodologies and advocate for refined models balancing accuracy, reliability, and conservatism. The outcomes provide a foundation for future refinement of design code provisions and advancing seismic design for RC squat walls.

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