Predictive equations for the peak shear strength of low-aspect ratio reinforced concrete walls

Previous studies have shown that the predictive equations used in the United States to calculate the peak shear strength of low-aspect ratio reinforced concrete walls are biased and that the scatter in the predictions is significant. These studies are extended herein using the database of Gulec to address predictive equations used in design standards in Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, and Europe. The scatter in the values of peak shear strength predicted by the design standards in these countries is substantial. The most conservative predictions of peak shear strength are obtained for lightly reinforced walls.