Interconnected Shear Wall Assemblies
Interconnected Shear Wall Assemblies
(OP)
Occasionally, over the arc of my career, I’ve encountered folks that like to design their core wall assemblies (stair, elevator, etc.) as though the component, straight wall sections were not interconnected. A C-shaped shaft turns into three individual linear walls etc.
Now that we have computers, how do we feel about this as a design method?
My thoughts are:
1) I wouldn’t do it in seismic country because it would underestimate over strength capacity.
2) I wouldn’t do it for a tall building because it would be too conservative from a drift standpoint.
3) I worry that, based on this method, the distribution of lateral loads to various SFRS would be inaccurate.
4) I worry that, when the wall assemblies try to be interconnected (they don’t know any better), they might shear apart at the wall intersections. Maybe this doesn’t matter at the ultimate limit state.
5) It sure is a nice shortcut if and when it can be justified.
Thanks,
KootK
Now that we have computers, how do we feel about this as a design method?
My thoughts are:
1) I wouldn’t do it in seismic country because it would underestimate over strength capacity.
2) I wouldn’t do it for a tall building because it would be too conservative from a drift standpoint.
3) I worry that, based on this method, the distribution of lateral loads to various SFRS would be inaccurate.
4) I worry that, when the wall assemblies try to be interconnected (they don’t know any better), they might shear apart at the wall intersections. Maybe this doesn’t matter at the ultimate limit state.
5) It sure is a nice shortcut if and when it can be justified.
Thanks,
KootK
The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.






RE: Interconnected Shear Wall Assemblies
The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.