Study of Multistoried Building with and Without Shear Wall Using Software: A Review

Abstract

This review article offers a thorough summary of current studies regarding the structural performance of multistorey structures, both with and without shear walls, emphasising their behaviour under seismic stresses. The study incorporates several approaches and results from prior experimental, analytical, and computational research to emphasise the function and enhancement of shear wall systems in bolstering structural robustness. Researchers have investigated several layouts, materials, and jointing methods in precast and cast-in-place shear walls to improve seismic performance. Innovative design concepts, including damage avoidance, the use of replacement components, and advanced connecting procedures, have demonstrated potential in reducing post-earthquake damage and facilitating swift recovery. Moreover, the strategic placement of shear walls, the incorporation of self-centering materials, and adherence to contemporary seismic regulations have been analysed as pivotal elements influencing the overall performance of structures. This analysis highlights deficiencies in present understanding and advocates for enhanced modelling, material innovation, and standardised assessment methods to guarantee structural safety in future designs.

Introduction

The design of multistorey buildings must account for vertical (gravity) and especially lateral forces (wind, earthquakes), which can cause instability and failure. Shear walls—vertical structural elements typically made of reinforced concrete—are one of the most effective solutions for resisting lateral loads. They transfer stress to the foundation and reduce displacement, drift, and torsion, enhancing structural integrity and safety. Their placement—core, perimeter, or symmetrical—affects their performance.

Literature Review Summary:

1. Seismic Performance of Structures with Shear Walls:

• Ozkul et al. (2019): Time-history analysis showed that using proper materials and shear walls greatly reduces damage, even without enhancing beams and columns.

• El-Dakhakhni et al. (2017): Reviewed reinforced masonry shear walls (RMSW), detailing seismic behavior across different wall configurations.

• Singhal et al. (2019): Emphasized the need for strong joints and seismic-resistant connections in precast RC shear walls, especially under lateral stress.

• Khanmohammadi et al. (2015): Introduced rocking systems and energy dissipation devices as new methods for seismic design in shear walls.

• Shen et al. (2019): Proposed a steel shear key (SSK) solution to strengthen the connections in precast shear walls, improving seismic resistance.

• Sørensen et al. (2016): Developed a construction-friendly shear connection using indented surfaces and U-bar loops for easy assembly of precast components.

• Tolou Kian et al. (2018): Studied damage-resistant shear walls with self-centering materials like shape memory alloys, improving post-earthquake performance.

• Nazari & Saatcioglu (2017): Compared older vs. newer seismic code-compliant buildings in Vancouver, showing the effectiveness of modern shear wall designs.

2. Innovations and Component Enhancements:

• Liu & Jiang (2017): Introduced replaceable corner components (RCCs) at shear wall bases to localize damage and simplify post-earthquake repairs.

• Dabaghi et al. (2019): Evaluated how wall size, reinforcement, and detailing affect collapse fragility under strong ground motions.

• LovaRaju & Balaji (2015): Used nonlinear analysis to determine the optimal placement of shear walls in buildings across seismic zones, showing placement critically affects performance.

• Xiong, Lu & Lin (2019): Developed a method to calculate damage limits in shear walls by factoring in axial load, wall length, and material strength, verified by tests and simulations.

Key Takeaways:

• Shear walls are vital in resisting lateral forces in high-rise buildings.

• Their material, placement, and connection design significantly influence seismic performance.

• Precast solutions, rocking systems, and replaceable components are advancing the field.

• Research highlights the importance of code compliance, experimental validation, and innovative detailing to ensure safety and resilience.

Conclusion

1) Significant Role of Shear Walls: Shear walls play a critical role in enhancing the lateral load resistance of multistorey buildings, particularly in seismic-prone areas. Their inclusion significantly reduces displacement, base shear, and potential for structural collapse. 2) Material and Design Innovations: The use of high-performance materials such as fiber-reinforced concrete, shape memory alloys, and energy-dissipating components has improved the ductility and resilience of shear walls. Precast systems with innovative joint designs, such as steel shear keys and indented interfaces, offer both structural efficiency and construction feasibility. 3) Damage Mitigation Strategies: New design philosophies, such as damage avoidance and replaceable energy-dissipating components, are effective in reducing long-term repair costs and improving building recoverability after strong earthquakes. 4) Importance of Configuration and Placement: The structural performance is influenced by the placement and geometry of shear walls. Optimal positioning, particularly in dual structural systems, has shown improved response under seismic loading, as revealed through nonlinear and pushover analyses. 5) Need for Updated Seismic Design Practices: Studies emphasize the necessity of updating design standards to incorporate lessons from past earthquakes and modern materials. Comparative analyses of buildings designed under older and newer codes demonstrate the superior performance of code-compliant structures. 6) Research Gaps and Future Scope: Despite advancements, further research is required in the areas of multi-hazard performance, behavior of hybrid systems, life-cycle cost analysis, and full-scale dynamic testing. Standardizing analytical models and performance criteria will contribute to more robust and resilient structural designs.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ravi Dipak Hirurkar , Prof. Ms. S. C. Sagane . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.