Static loading test was conducted on five 40%-scale specimens in order to evaluate the shear transfer mechanisms of structural walls with and without openings. The experimental variables were the size and location of openings. Failure modes for each specimen and in each direction of loading were identified, and connection between failure modes and the prediction accuracy of the maximum strength by the design equations was made.
From experimental results, shear strength of specimens were estimated using the existing design equations with AIJ and Ono reduction factors. It was shown that the shear strengths of specimens were well estimated combining the shear strength of structural walls without openings estimated by truss and arch mechanism equation and Ono’s reduction factor, and it was proved that this method may be applied to structural walls with the opening ratio up to 0.46.
The two-dimensional finite element model constructed well simulates lateral load-drift angle relation and damage distribution for specimens with no or small openings. Both monotonic and cyclic analysis was conducted.