Concrete Shear/Core Walls_Minimum Vertical Wall Reinforcement

[theshearstud]

Given equation ACI 318-11_11.9.9.4, short "squatty" walls will require more vertical reinforcement that tall "slender" walls. What is the intent of this equation when you have a core wall with openings? Should the "hw" term be taken as the height of the opening? Or should "hw" be taken as the height of the entire wall? Thanks.

 

[KootK]

I'm going to tentatively vote for hw as the height of the entire wall as I believe that will be appropriate in most situations. It would, however, be useful to know more about your particular situation. Mech opening in an overall squat wall? Isolated, squat pier segment in a 50 story coupled shaft? What's gotten your feathers ruffled...

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.