The structural design of a shear wall, as described, primarily involves its cross-sectional shape and the potential inclusion of boundary elements.
Basic Structural Shapes
A typical shear wall often features a rectangular cross-section. This fundamental shape provides the necessary stiffness and strength to resist lateral loads.
The Barbell Configuration
When a shear wall is built monolithically (as a single unit) between two structural columns, the resulting shape is described as a barbell shape. The columns effectively become part of the wall structure in this configuration.
Boundary Elements: Enhancing Performance
The columns located at either end of the wall in the barbell configuration are specifically termed boundary elements. These elements are crucial to the structural design:
- They are present at either ends of the wall.
- They are often pre-existing columns integrated into the wall structure.
- They significantly increase the strength of the wall.
- This strength enhancement applies to both flexure (bending) and shear resistance.
In essence, the structural design focuses on the basic wall panel shape (rectangular or barbell) and the critical role of boundary elements in improving overall strength, particularly when columns are integrated at the ends.
