If taking horiz rebars to 6in of face is too much, I would, within plastic hinge zone of shear wall, use 1.5 ld. Remember to also increase for top bar concept.
Suppose architectural limitations exist that don´t allow columns to have more width than 12in. but they need much more area than 12x30in. (12/0.4=30), say 12x48in.
ACI318 commentary limitation for seismic columns shape ratio to 0.4 minimum refers only to "previous practice"
Can they be used if...
