ABSTRACT
This chapter explains why Ritter and Morsch’s concept for calculating web reinforcement in a shear wall is obsolete and proposes a new idea for a much safer design of a shear wall which will resist lateral forces better. This proposal is based on the concept of triangular rigidity, which is achieved by applying diagonal reinforcement in a shear wall. Further, this chapter explains the fundamental differences between a simple beam and a shear wall and shows how triangular reinforcement in a shear wall can greatly increase its resistance to lateral loads and mandates ductile failure only (due to tension). In order to increase the safety of a shear wall, it appears that the most rational design (with the highest degree of safety) would be triangular reinforcement, because external lateral forces would be applied to act parallel to the reinforcement (as occurs in a truss). Consequently, the most rational application of reinforcement would be achieved. This would also be the safest design because a triangle is the only rigid geometrical configuration, and any diagonal tension (stretching) could be controlled by corresponding diagonal reinforcement (such as a triangle’s hypotenuse). This is in contrast to the existing concept that additional horizontal wall reinforcement does not contribute to shear strength.1,2 Both types of reinforcement represent a similar financial burden; yet, triangularly placed reinforcement creates rigid triangles which are far more effective against lateral loads.
