Seismic performance of reinforced concrete frame strengthened with an imperfect steel plate shear wall

In this research, the effects of imperfections in a steel plate shear wall (SPSW) used to strengthen a reinforced concrete (RC) frame were numerically examined using nonlinear finite element analysis. Three types of structures were analysed in this study: SPSW only, a one-story RC frame with an SPSW infill, and a multi-story RC frame with an SPSW. It was determined that the initial imperfections of a thin SPSW cause a dramatic reduction in the yield and ultimate capacity of the SPSW when analysed individually; however, the presence of RC boundary frame members addresses an important role in eliminating this reduction. In contrast, it was found that the SPSW prevents the shear cracking in the RC frame joints. Based on this point, a higher RC frame capacity together with high initial stiffness and ductility are registered when an SPSW is applied, and equations for estimating the system capacity were derived through this study.