ACI 550 7 19 Requirements For Design of A Special Unbonded Post

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IN-LB Inch-Pound Units
An ACI Standard
Requirements for Design of

a Special Unbonded Post-
Tensioned Precast Shear
Wall Satisfying ACI 550.6
(ACI 550.7) and Commentary
Reported by Innovation Task Group 5
ACI 550.7-19
University of Toronto User.
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ISBN: 978-1-64195-082-4
Requirements for Design of a Special Unbonded Post-Tensioned Precast Shear Wall Satisfying ACI
550.6 (ACI 550.7) and Commentary
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ACI 550.7-19
Requirements for Design of a Special Unbonded

Post-Tensioned Precast Shear Wall Satisfying
ACI 550.6 (ACI 550.7) and Commentary
An ACI Standard
Reported by ACI Innovation Task Group 5
Charles W. Dolan
Chair
Attila B. Beres Ronald Klemencic Stephen P. Pessiki John W. Wallace

Ned M. Cleland Vilas S. Mujumdar Carol K. Shield Loring A. Wyllie, Jr.
Neil M. Hawkins Suzanne Dow Nakaki
Consulting member
S. K. Ghosh
This standard defines procedures that may be used to design special 2. Individual walls, including considerations to ensure ductility,
precast concrete shear walls, coupled or uncoupled, composed of energy dissipation, integrity, stiffness, and strength; and
discretely jointed precast panels that are vertically post-tensioned to the 3. Coupled walls, including considerations of the roles of the post-
foundation with unbonded tendons. Such walls are suitable for use in tensioning tendons and coupling devices in providing energy dissipation,
regions of high seismicity and for structures assigned to high seismic and strength and stiffness for coupled walls greater than the sum of those
design categories. After a major seismic event, these walls can be expected provided by the coupled walls acting as separate units.
to exhibit minimal damage in the flexural hinging region at the base of the The Commentary references documentary evidence, additional to the
wall as well as negligible permanent displacements. Such walls do not references of ACI 550.6 and Chapter 18 of ACI 318R-14, that supports these
satisfy the prescriptive requirements of Chapter 18 of ACI 318-14 for shear Design Requirements. In this standard, however, no comparison is made
walls of monolithic construction. According to 18.2.1.7 of ACI 318-14, their between the performance of precast test modules satisfying the prescriptive
acceptance requires demonstration by experimental evidence and analysis requirements of ACI 318 and modules satisfying these Design Require-

that the walls have strength and toughness equal to or exceeding those ments but not satisfying ACI 318. Such comparisons, both experimental
provided by comparable monolithic reinforced concrete walls that satisfy and analytical, are available in the cited references.
the prescriptive requirements of Chapter 18. This standard describes the All references to ACI 318 and ACI 318R in these Design Requirements
procedures that the designer may use to demonstrate, through analysis, and Commentary refer to ACI 318-14 unless another edition of ACI 318 is
that one type of unbonded post-tensioned precast wall has strength and tough- specifically designated. All references to ASCE/SEI 7 in these Design
ness at least equal to that of comparable special reinforced concrete monolithic Requirements and Commentary are to ASCE/SEI 7-10, including third
walls. The standard consists of Design Requirements and a Commentary. printing updates.
Among the subjects covered in these Design Requirements are require- In this standard, consistent with the format of ACI 318-14, the word
ments for: “Section” is not included before a reference to a section of ACI 318-14. To
more clearly designate a section in this standard, however, the word
1. Materials, including considerations for the coupling or connection
“Section” is used before any reference to a section of this standard.
devices, that provide the primary source of energy dissipation for the wall system;
Consistent with the format of ASCE/SEI 7-10, the word “Section” is
included before a reference to a section of ASCE/SEI 7-10.
ACI Committee Reports, Guides, Manuals, Standard Keywords: coupling devices; drift angle; energy dissipation; lateral resis-
Practices, and Commentaries are intended for guidance in tance; post-tensioning; precast concrete; prestressed concrete; seismic
planning, designing, executing, and inspecting construction. design; special shear wall; test module; toughness.
This document is intended for the use of individuals who are
competent to evaluate the significance and limitations of its
content and recommendations and who will accept CONTENTS
responsibility for the application of the material it contains. Chapter 1—General, p. 2
The American Concrete Institute disclaims any and all 1.1—Introduction
responsibility for the stated principles. The Institute shall not
be liable for any loss or damage arising therefrom.
ACI 550.7-19 supersedes ITG-5.2-09, was adopted May 4, 2009, and published
Reference to this document shall not be made in contract September 2019.
documents. If items found in this document are desired by the Copyright © 2019, American Concrete Institute.
Architect/Engineer to be a part of the contract documents, they All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by any
shall be restated in mandatory language for incorporation by means, including the making of copies by any photo process, or by electronic or
mechanical device, printed, written, or oral, or recording for sound or visual reproduction
the Architect/Engineer. or for use in any knowledge or retrieval system or device, unless permission in writing
is obtained from the copyright proprietors.
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1
2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS OF SHEAR WALL SATISFYING ACI 550.6 (ACI 550.7-19)
1.2—Scope CHAPTER 1—GENERAL

1.3—Drawings 1.1—Introduction
For regions of high seismic risk, where structures assigned
Chapter 2—Notation and definitions, p. 5 to Seismic Design Category (SDC) D, E, or F shall be used,
2.1—Notation 18.2.1.7 of ACI 318 permits the use of structural systems that
2.2—Definitions do not meet the prescriptive requirements of Chapter 18 if
certain experimental evidence and analysis are provided (all
references to ACI 318 and ACI 318R in this standard refer to
Chapter 3—Referenced standards and reports, p. 7
ACI 318-14 unless another edition of ACI 318 is specifically
Chapter 4—Materials, p. 8 designated). The intent of ACI 550.6 is to define the
4.1—General minimum experimental evidence that is deemed sufficient to
4.2—Ducts permit the use of unbonded post-tensioned precast structural
4.3—Reinforcement wall systems, in accordance with 18.2.1.7 of ACI 318, when
those systems do not satisfy fully the prescriptive require-
4.4—Concrete
ments for wall systems in Chapter 18 of ACI 318.
4.5—Interface grout
Before validation testing can be undertaken, ACI 550.6
4.6—Coupling devices
requires that a design procedure be developed for prototype
4.7—Corrosion protection of prestressing tendons wall systems having the generic form for which acceptance
is sought, and that design procedure is used to proportion the
Chapter 5—Structural system requirements for test modules. This standard defines the design procedure for
walls, p. 9
a specific type of wall system that does not satisfy the
5.1—General
prescriptive requirements of Chapter 18 of ACI 318, but is
5.2—Strength
validated for use in regions of high seismicity under ACI
5.3—Drift 550.6. The wall system uses precast concrete panels that are
5.4—Wall characteristics post-tensioned to the foundation and intended to rock on that
5.5—Distribution of walls within structures foundation under seismic actions.
5.6—Wall system-gravity load frame interactions For coupled walls, coupling devices located along the
vertical boundaries of adjacent walls provide the required
Chapter 6—Design requirements for uncoupled energy dissipation and energy-dissipating reinforcement that
wall systems, p. 12 crosses the wall-foundation interface is unnecessary. During
6.1—Scope an earthquake, the coupled walls displace as rigid bodies that
6.2—Materials are tied together. Wall deformations occur primarily at the
6.3—Prestress force interface between each individual wall and the foundation,

6.4—Energy-dissipating reinforcement with each wall rocking separately at that interface.
6.5—Shear strength The unbonded post-tensioning has two purposes. First, the
6.6—Flexural strength and drift limits post-tensioning steel is deliberately designed to remain
6.7—Detailing of lowermost wall panel essentially elastic during the design basis earthquake (DBE),
6.8—Interface grout defined in ASCE/SEI 7, so that it forces the walls to return to
their undeformed positions following the event. Second, the
Chapter 7—Design requirements for coupled wall friction induced by the post-tensioning and gravity loading
systems, p. 16 on the wall transfers the horizontal shears due to lateral loadings
7.1—Scope at the interfaces between the wall and the foundation and
7.2—Materials between the precast panels of the wall.
7.3—Coupling devices The detailing procedures described in this standard are for
7.4—Prestress force one specific type of unbonded post-tensioned precast shear
7.5—Shear strength wall system, coupled or uncoupled. Four statements define
7.6—Flexural strength and drift limits key characteristics of uncoupled and coupled unbonded
7.7—Lowermost panel post-tensioned precast concrete cantilever shear walls that
7.8—Interface grout satisfy this standard:
(a) Post-tensioning tendons unbonded from an anchor in
Chapter 8—Design requirements for coupling the foundation to an anchor at the top of the wall and located
devices, p. 18 in a single duct on the vertical centerline of the wall or, if
8.1—Scope needed, in two or more ducts positioned symmetrically on
8.2—General either side of that vertical centerline and within 10% of the
8.3—Materials wall length from that centerline;
8.4—Design methodology (b) Precast panels one story or more in height; and
(c) For uncoupled walls, two sets of energy-dissipating
Chapter 9—Commentary references, p. 20 reinforcing bars crossing the interface between the lower-
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American Concrete Institute Copyrighted Material—www.concrete.org

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS OF SHEAR WALL SATISFYING ACI 550.6 (ACI 550.7-19) 3
most precast panel of the wall and the foundation and with damage during a DBE event is limited in extent, confined
the sets located symmetrically about the vertical centerline essentially to the wall to foundation joint filler material or to
of the wall; or the concrete cover over the boundary element reinforcement
(d) For coupled walls, energy-dissipating coupling devices at the wall toes, and can be readily repaired after the earth-
for a given vertical joint between coupled walls, of equal quake. By contrast, monolithic walls, coupled and uncou-
strength, at least two in number for each coupled edge of a pled, designed to Chapter 18 of ACI 318, can suffer
panel in the wall, and positioned so that the width of the significant cracking, crushing, and spalling in the plastic
vertical joint between panels remains approximately hinging regions at the base of the walls, in the coupling
constant in width as the walls rock on their bases. beams, or both, and repair can be costly. Further, mono-
lithic special shear walls designed to Chapter 18 of ACI 318
R1.1 may show permanent lateral deformations following a DBE
Large-scale laboratory experiments (Bora et al. 2007; event whereas the special shear walls described in this stan-
Perez et al. 2003; Priestley et al. 1999; Rahman and dard should not.
Restrepo 2000; Santana 2005) have shown that unbonded Precast shear walls with the following can be propor-
post-tensioned precast concrete cantilever shear walls can tioned to have performance characteristics similar to the
provide safety and serviceability levels, during and after an walls described in this standard:
earthquake, that meet or exceed performance levels required 1. Unbonded tendons that cross the wall-foundation inter-
by 18.2.1.7 of ACI 318 and ACI 550.6. Analytical studies face at locations along the length of the wall that are more
(Kurama 2002; Perez et al. 2004a,b; Rahman and Restrepo than 10% of the wall length from its vertical centerline; or
2000; Stanton and Nakaki 2002; Thomas and Sritharan 2. Uncoupled walls with energy dissipation devices having
2004; Sritharan et al. 2007) have shown that to achieve such characteristics differing from those for the energy-dissi-
performance levels, the shear walls should be proportioned pating reinforcement described in Section 1.1(c) and posi-
and detailed in accordance with specific considerations. tioned differently along the length of the wall; or
This standard is developed from the aforementioned studies 3. Coupled walls with coupling elements connecting
and related references. This standard contains the minimum vertical boundaries of adjacent walls and having character-
requirements for ensuring that one type of unbonded post- istics for the coupling elements differing from those for the
tensioned precast concrete cantilever shear wall system, coupling devices described in Section 1.1(d).
uncoupled or coupled, can sustain a series of oscillations into Research investigations additional to those completed to
the inelastic range of response without critical decay in strength date, and modifications of the procedures described in this
or excessive story drifts. Further, that shear wall should show standard, however, are needed before prescriptive provisions
only minimal or no damage to the wall, and minimal or no for the design of such precast shear walls can be formulated.
permanent displacements after the oscillations cease.
In this specific type of coupled or uncoupled wall system, the 1.2—Scope

post-tensioning tendons are unbonded and designed to remain 1.2.1 This standard defines design requirements for a
elastic during the DBE. Except at the foundation, the hori- certain class of unbonded post-tensioned precast concrete
zontal joints between the precast panels that make up a canti- shear walls that can be used as special reinforced concrete
lever wall are designed to remain closed during an earthquake. shear walls for Bearing Wall and Building Frame Special
For uncoupled walls, vertical reinforcing bars grouted Reinforced Concrete Shear Wall Systems, as defined in
into ducts located in the wall panels abutting the foundation ASCE/SEI 7.
and in the foundation, and described in this standard as
energy-dissipating reinforcement, provide energy dissipation 1.2.2 The requirements described in this standard are for
as they yield alternately in tension and compression during special unbonded post-tensioned precast shear walls with:
an earthquake. These bars also provide continuity additional 1. Essentially planar proportions in the vertical direction,
to the post-tensioning between the cantilever wall and the no significant discontinuities in plan, in vertical configuration,
foundation, and additional moment strength for the wall. The or in their lateral-force-resisting system, and designed to
grouted bars are deliberately debonded for a specific have a single critical section for flexure and axial loads at the
distance in the panel adjacent to the wall-foundation interface base of the shear wall;
to reduce the high cyclic strains that would otherwise occur 2. Post-tensioning tendons unbonded from anchor to
at that location. Consequently, during an earthquake, the anchor and located in a single duct at the centroid of the
cantilever wall can displace essentially as a rigid body. transverse cross section of the wall, or in an additional two
Vertical deformations occur primarily at the wall-foundation or more ducts positioned symmetrically on either side of that
interface as the wall rocks against the foundation. centroid and within 10% of the shear wall length from that
Under seismic loading, the special shear walls described centroid; and
in this standard are intended to behave differently than 3. Energy dissipation provided: a) for uncoupled walls by
monolithic shear walls. Most of the deformations of the walls energy-dissipating reinforcement that crosses the interface
occur from the opening and closing of the joint at the interface between the base of the wall and the foundation; and b) for
between the precast walls and the foundation. Consequently, coupled walls by coupling devices that connect adjacent
with the detailing procedures described in this standard, vertical boundaries of shear walls, number at least two for
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each connected vertical boundary of each precast panel, and

are distributed uniformly over the height of the panel.
R1.2.2 While the shear walls described in this standard do
not fully satisfy the prescriptive requirements of Chapter 18
of ACI 318, analyses and tests, and reporting consistent with
the intent of the requirements of ACI 550.6, have established
dependable and predictable strength, energy dissipation,
stiffness, and drift capacities for the characteristic wall
configurations described in this standard. The main features
of the wall systems covered by this standard are illustrated
in Fig. R1.1(a) and (b). Details for a typical uncoupled
cantilever shear wall are shown in Fig. R1.1(a), and details
for typical coupled shear wall systems in Fig. R1.1(b). For
walls designed in accordance with this standard, the number
of upper panels can be greater or less than the two panels
shown in Fig. R1.1(a) and each panel can be one or more
stories in height.
The uncoupled cantilever shear wall in Fig. R1.1(a) is a
planar wall composed of three precast concrete panels and
intended for use in a building that is three stories high. Fig. R1.1(a)—Main features of uncoupled unbonded post-
Except for two regions where large compressive stresses tensioned precast shear wall.
develop in the concrete and the associated reinforcement
near the toes of the wall, the only reinforcement yielding in
tension under lateral loading is the energy-dissipating
reinforcement that crosses the wall-foundation interface.
The unbonded length and prestress level for the central tendon
is deliberately selected so that the prestressing steel does not
yield as a result of the opening of the gap at the wall base at
the design displacement. The deformed bar reinforcement
for energy dissipation is anchored by grouting in ducts
preformed in the lower-most panel and the foundation. The
length over which the energy-dissipating reinforcement is
debonded in the panel adjacent to the wall-foundation interface

and the position of the two sets of bars either side of the
center of the wall are selected deliberately to provide the
desired design level of overall performance. The axial load
(i) Two-wall system
stress level in the wall due to combined gravity load and
prestressing is relatively low and, therefore, the neutral axis
depth at the wall-foundation interface that gives rise to the
region of high compressive strains in the toe of the wall is
relatively small.
For the coupled planar two- and three-wall systems shown
in Fig. R1.1(b), each wall is composed of three precast
panels and each system is for a building five stories in
height. The upper panels in each wall are two stories in
height while the lower-most panel, where large compressive
stresses develop in the toe of the wall under lateral loading,
is detailed differently than the upper panels. Energy dissipation
is provided by connection devices that can yield and are
located, with at least two per panel, along the vertical edges
that are coupled. The shearing displacements imposed on the (ii) Three-wall system
devices are a direct function of the gap opening allowed at the
wall-foundation interface under the design displacement. The Fig. R1.1(b)—Main features of coupled wall systems.
prestress level for the central tendon in each wall is selected so
that the prestressing steel does not yield under the gap opening
imposed by the design displacement. The axial load stress yield strength of the connection devices. Because of the
level imposed on each wall at the design displacement is a greater weight of the precast panels and the greater length
function of the gravity load, the prestress level, and the effective of the tendons for the coupled walls of Fig. R1.1(b) (as
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compared with the uncoupled wall of Fig. R1.1(a)), blockouts ances associated with installation. For the post-tensioning
may need to be provided on the line of the tendons and at the tendon, essential elements are how and where the tendon
bottom of each panel for the location of access to couplers will be anchored and, if appropriate, coupled, and how it
for the prestressing tendons. will be assured that the tendon remains debonded during the
grouting of the joint between the wall and the foundation and
1.2.3 All precast and reinforced concrete components and during any grouting of joints between wall panels.
systems for the shear wall, energy dissipation and coupling
devices, and associated gravity load systems, shall be CHAPTER 2—NOTATION AND DEFINITIONS
designed to satisfy the requirements of ACI 318 except as 2.1—Notation
modified by this standard. Aps = area of post-tensioning tendons crossing wall-
foundation interface, in.2 (mm2)
1.2.4 All precast, prestressed, and reinforced concrete As = area of energy-dissipating reinforcement crossing
components and systems for the shear wall system, including wall-foundation interface, in.2 (mm2)
energy dissipation and coupling devices and associated a = depth of equivalent rectangular stress block for
gravity load systems, shall meet the quality assurance confined concrete, in. (mm)
requirements of Appendix 11A of ASCE/SEI 7. Require- asc = radius of 180-degree bend for connecting link
ments of Sections 11A.1.3.2, 11A.1.3.3, and 11A.1.3.4 shall measured to its inside face, in. (mm)
apply for any shear wall panel element constructed on or off b sc = width of connecting link bar, in. (mm)
site, for assembly and post-tensioning operations on site, and C = compression force on toe of wall when probable
for construction and installation of coupling devices. flexural strength Mpr acts at wall-foundation
R1.2.4 For the shear wall systems described in this stan- interface, lb (N)
dard to be accepted as special shear wall systems defined by c = distance from extreme compression fiber of grout
ASCE/SEI 7, the periodic special and continuous special pad to neutral axis of wall at wall-foundation
inspection requirements during steel placement, welding interface, in. (mm)
operations, grouting, and concrete placement need to be Dc = self-weight of wall plus any dead loads acting on
properly executed by personnel who are qualified to perform it, including the self-weight of components
the work and such inspection should be specified in the directly attached to the wall, lb (N)
contract documents. d b = bar diameter of energy-dissipating reinforcement,
in. (mm)
1.3—Drawings dsc = distance center to center of prongs of connecting
Drawings of the shear walls and associated framing shall link of U-shaped flexure plate (UFP) coupling
show all features of the work, including those details essential device, in. (mm); refer to Fig. R7.1
for satisfactory seismic performance of the wall system, E = load effects of earthquakes or related internal

associated gravity load systems, and any special tolerances moments and forces
associated with construction. Essential details for the walls E s modulus of elasticity of reinforcement and struc-
include: anchoring the post-tensioning tendons within the tural steel, psi (MPa)
foundation and at the top of the walls; uncoupled walls of e = distance between centroid of wall and centroid of
debonding and anchoring the energy-dissipating reinforce- energy-dissipating reinforcement located furthest
ment that crosses the interface between the base of the wall from the compression toe of wall, in. (mm)
and the foundation; coupled walls for fabricating coupling F con = force in coupling device at drift angle corre-
devices, anchoring them to the walls and connecting them to sponding to design displacement, lb (N)
one another; anchoring seismic reinforcement at precast panel fc′ = specified compressive strength of concrete, psi (MPa)
boundaries; and developing floor slab-wall-frame interactions f ′
cc = stress in confined concrete in toe of wall, psi (MPa)
that conform to those assumed in the design documents. fL′ = effective lateral confining stress provided by
transverse reinforcement in toe of wall, psi (MPa)
R1.3 fprs = stress in post-tensioning tendons when stress in
Because reinforcing details at the base of the wall and at energy-dissipating reinforcement is fu, psi (MPa)
the location of the coupling devices for coupled walls are fpu = specified tensile strength of post-tensioning
essential to the satisfactory performance of walls in a major tendons, psi (MPa)
seismic event, details should be designed meticulously and fpy = specified yield strength of post-tensioning
fully documented on the drawings for each connection of a tendons, psi (MPa)
wall to the foundation and for each device that connects fscu = specified tensile strength of connecting link steel,
coupled walls. For uncoupled walls with energy-dissipating psi (MPa)
reinforcement, essential elements include the location of the fse = effective stress in post-tensioning tendons (after
reinforcement along the wall to foundation interface, the allowance for all prestress losses), psi (MPa)
length of the reinforcement that is deliberately debonded, fu = specified tensile strength of energy-dissipating
how the reinforcement is debonded, details of its anchorage reinforcement crossing wall-foundation interface,
in the wall panel and the foundation, and any special@Seismicisolation
toler-
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fy = specified yield strength of energy-dissipating εf = strain in energy-dissipating reinforcement at its

reinforcement, psi (MPa) fracture
fyt = specified yield strength of transverse reinforce- εprs = strain in post-tensioning tendon when stress in
ment in wall, psi (MPa) energy-dissipating reinforcement is fu
hw = height of wall, in. (mm) εscu = strain in connecting link steel at its fracture
Ksc = elastic stiffness of connecting link of UFP εse = strain in post-tensioning tendon due to effective
coupling device, in.-lb (Nm) prestress only (after allowance for all losses)
Lp = effective height of plastic hinging zone in toe of εsu = strain in energy-dissipating reinforcement at
wall, in. (mm) elongation Δs
Lu = length over which energy-dissipating reinforce- εsut = ultimate specified strain capacity of transverse
ment crossing wall-foundation interface is delib- reinforcement in toe of wall
erately debonded, in. (mm) εu = strain in energy-dissipating reinforcement at its
Lups = length over which post-tensioning tendon is tensile strength fu
unbonded, in. (mm) μ = coefficient of friction
ld = development length in tension for a straight Δprs = additional elongation of post-tensioning tendon at
deformed reinforcing bar, in. (mm) probable flexural strength, in. (mm)
lw = overall length of individual wall at wall-founda- Δs = elongation of energy-dissipating reinforcement at
tion interface, in. (mm) probable flexural strength Mpr , in. (mm)
Mdw = design moment for wall providing greater, or greatest, θL = drift angle, radians
resistance for coupled wall system, in.-lb (Nm) θLdesign = drift angle at design displacement, radians
Mn = nominal flexural strength, in.-lb (Nm) θLmax= drift angle at probable flexural capacity, radians
Mpr = probable flexural strength of uncoupled wall at the λ = modification factor related to unit weight of
wall-foundation interface, see Section 5.6.3 or concrete; refer to ACI 318
probable flexural strength of wall system for λp = participation factor for wall of coupled wall system
coupled walls at wall-foundation interface, see ρr = redundancy factor as defined in ASCE/SEI 7
Section 6.6.2, in.-lb (Nm) ρs = ratio of volume of hoop or spiral reinforcement to
Mprs = contribution of post-tensioning reinforcement to total volume of core confined by hoop or spiral
Mpr , in.-lb (Nm) ρx = ratio of volume of rectangular hoops in direction
Mpsc = plastic moment strength of connecting link parallel to major axis of compressed area to total
section, in.-lb (Nm) volume of core confined by hoop
Ms = contribution of energy-dissipating reinforcement ρy = ratio of volume of rectangular hoops in direction
to Mpr , in.-lb (Nm) parallel to minor axis of compressed area to total

Mu = factored moment acting on wall or wall system, volume of core confined by hoop
in.-lb (Nm) Ωo = overstrength factor as defined in ASCE/SEI 7
n = number of walls in wall system φ = strength reduction factor
ncon = number of coupling devices per vertical joint for
coupled wall system 2.2—Definitions
T = post-tensioning force, lb (N) The following definitions, additional to those of 2.3 of
tsc = thickness of connecting link bar, in. (mm) ACI 318 and of ACI 550.6, shall apply.
tw = width of compression face of wall at wall-founda- coupling devices—mechanical devices connecting adjacent
tion interface, in. (mm) boundaries of precast structural walls and providing stiffness
Vi = shear strength of wall foundation interface for i-th and energy dissipation for the connected walls greater than
wall, lb (N) the sum of those provided by the connected walls acting as
Vn = nominal shear strength, lb (N) separate units. The mechanical devices consist of connecting
Vni = nominal shear strength of wall foundation interface, links that cross the interface between adjacent precast panels
lb (N) and anchorages that attach those connecting links to the panels.
Vscu = nominal shear capacity of UFP coupling device, reinforcement, energy-dissipating—reinforcement
lb (N) (nonprestressed) crossing the wall-foundation interface and
α = factor relating average effective stress for depth of designed to yield over a specified unbonded length during a
compression block at toe of wall to fcc ′ design event. Refer to Section 6.4.
αb = coefficient quantifying the effective additional reinforcement, seismic—reinforcement that conforms to
debonded length for energy-dissipating reinforce- ASTM A706 or reinforcement that conforms to ASTM A615
ment at probable flexural strength Grades 40 or 60 (ASTM A615M Grades 280 or 420) and has
β = factor relating depth of equivalent rectangular stress an actual yield strength not greater than the specified yield
block for confined concrete to neutral axis depth strength by more than 18,000 psi (125 MPa) and a ratio of
εcmax = maximum usable strain in extreme compression actual tensile strength to actual yield strength not less than
fiber of wall 1.25. Refer to 20.2.2.5 of ACI 318.
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Fig. R2.1—Typical UFP coupling device used in PRESSS building.
R2.2—Definitions designer needs to use reinforcement at those locations

The following is Commentary on the foregoing definitions. conforming to 20.2.2.5 of ACI 318. Energy-dissipating rein-
coupling devices—for ACI 550.6, either coupling devices forcement, other than post-tensioning reinforcement, that
or coupling beams can connect adjacent vertical boundaries crosses the interface between the wall and the foundation
of precast structural walls. For this standard, only mechan- can have properties deliberately chosen to differ from those of

ical coupling devices are permitted. Typical devices (PCI Ad ordinary and seismic reinforcement. The term “energy-
Hoc Committee on Precast Walls 1997; Schultz and Magana dissipating reinforcement” is used to describe that reinforce-
1996; Stanton and Nakaki 2002) have anchorages cast into ment.
each panel and a connecting link that is subsequently made
between the panels after their erection. Details of the CHAPTER 3—REFERENCED STANDARDS AND
mechanical coupling devices used for the wall direction REPORTS
loading for the Precast Seismic Structural Systems The standards and reports listed below were used to
(PRESSS) building test are shown in Fig. R2.1. The bent develop this report.
U-shaped flexure plate (UFP) is the connecting link and the
welded studs, and ASTM A706 bars and embedded plates are American Concrete Institute
the anchorage. 318-05 Building Code Requirements for Structural
reinforcement—the definition of reinforcement in ACI Concrete and Commentary
318 does not permit easy differentiation between the types of 423.7-07 Specification for Unbonded Single-Strand
reinforcement permitted in special shear walls in accor- Tendon Materials and Commentary (ACI
dance with this standard. Therefore, a terminology is used 423.7-07)
for different deformed bar reinforcement types consistent 550.6-19 Acceptance Criteria for Special Unbonded
with that of ACI ITG-1.2 (ACI Innovation Task Group 1 Post-Tensioned Precast Structural Walls Based
2003). The designer can choose ordinary deformed bar on Validation Testing and Commentary
reinforcement per 3.5 of ACI 318, or prestressing reinforce- ITG-1.2-03 Special Hybrid Moment Frames Composed of
ment for wall panels other than panels in contact with the Discretely Jointed Precast and Post-Tensioned
foundation. That is because this standard requires all panels Concrete Members (ACI ITG-1.2-03) and
except those in contact with the foundation to remain elastic Commentary (ITG-1.2R-03)
under the design displacement. By contrast, reinforcement in ITG-5.1-07 Acceptance Criteria for Special Unbonded
the boundaries of panels in contact with the foundation is Post-Tensioned Precast Structural Walls Based
usually stressed inelastically at the design displacement. The
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@Seismicisolation on Validation Testing and Commentary
ASCE/SEI
ASCE 7-05 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and
Other Structures (ASCE/SEI 7-05)—Seismic
Provisions
ASTM International
A240/A240M-04 Standard Specification for Chromium
and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel
Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure
Vessels and for General Applications
A615-07 Standard Specification for Deformed
and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for
Fig. R4.1—Typical stress-strain relationship for energy-
Concrete Reinforcement dissipating reinforcement.
A706/A706M-04 Standard Specification for Low-Alloy
Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for
Concrete Reinforcement minimum tensile strength fu. The strain εu at the tensile
A955/A955M-07a Standard Specification for Deformed strength shall be taken as a strain 0.02 less than the strain at
and Plain Stainless-Steel Bars for the minimum elongation specified in ASTM A706 for the
Concrete Reinforcement given bar size. Stress-strain properties of energy-dissipating
C1107/C1107M-97 Standard Specification for Packaged Dry, reinforcement for each bar size used for the wall system shall
Hydraulic-Cement Grout (Nonshrink) be obtained from tension tests as specified in ASTM A706.
The average strain εu of reinforcement at its average tensile
CHAPTER 4—MATERIALS strength fu shall be obtained. Averages shall be based on the
4.1—General results of a minimum of three tension tests for each bar size
All materials and material tests shall conform to the for every steel heat used in the wall system.
requirements of ACI 318, except as specified in this standard. R4.3.2 Stress-strain properties of the energy-dissipating
reinforcement need to be defined accurately. The strength at
4.2—Ducts the wall-foundation interface and the displacement of an
Ducts, including those for energy-dissipating reinforce-
uncoupled wall are likely to be controlled by the maximum
ment, shall conform to requirements of 18.17 of ACI 318.
strain developed in the energy-dissipating reinforcement
and its effective debonded length (refer to Section 6.6.3.2).
R4.2
Ducts for the unbonded prestressing steel need to be large The maximum strain demand placed on that reinforcement
enough to preclude kinking (the act where the tendon comes during the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) ground

in contact with the duct wall and is bent sharply) of the motion, defined in ASCE/SEI 7, should not exceed 0.8 times
tendons at the wall-to-foundation interface as the wall rocks, the strain εu at which the reinforcement reaches its tensile
and small enough to not cause a significant loss of trans- strength fu , where εu and fu have the meanings shown in
verse wall area on the line of the duct. For those reasons, Fig. R4.1. If ASTM A706 steel is specified for the energy-
flat-profile ducts have been used in some tests (Rahman and dissipating reinforcement and no testing has been
Restrepo 2000). performed specific to the reinforcement used in the wall,
Ducts should be tied at intervals of 2 ft or less to main wall then the designer should use limiting strain values that are
reinforcement to prevent their displacement during wall less than the minimum elongations specified for that steel. It
panel casting. is important to note that, as shown in Fig. R4.1, εu is less
than the minimum elongation εf specified for the corre-
4.3—Reinforcement sponding bar size in ASTM A706. The strain increase between
4.3.1 Reinforcement in shear wall boundary elements shall εu and εf is due to local necking of the bar. That difference in
comply with 21.2.5 of ACI 318. strain increases as the bar size decreases. In the absence of
R4.3.1 At the design displacement, the longitudinal bars in specific test data for the difference between εu and εf , that
the shear wall boundary elements are likely to yield in value can be taken as 0.02 (2%) for ASTM A706 steels.
compression and the confining reinforcement for those bars
is likely to yield in tension. 4.3.3 Prestressing tendons used to post-tension shear walls
shall be unbonded. Calculated strains in prestressing steel
4.3.2 Energy-dissipating reinforcement shall have the rib shall not exceed 0.01 at θLdesign.
deformation heights, yield strength, ultimate elongation, and R4.3.3 The calculated strain in the prestressing steel is the
stress-strain properties required by ASTM A706. Instead of sum of the strain at the effective force level and the strain
using ASTM A706, reinforcement-specific test data on the that results from the gap opening at the wall to foundation
stress-strain properties of the energy-dissipating reinforce- interface at the design displacement. The drift angle at the
ment shall be obtained before design and construction. In design displacement needs to be such that the behavior of the
such cases, the tensile strength shall be taken as the specified@Seismicisolation
wall in the DBE is essentially elastic.
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Normally, it is considered good practice during construction cannot be readily determined from theoretical consider-
to jack prestressing tendons to the highest force consistent ations. Therefore, full-scale testing of links, using the material
with not causing permanent deformations. For the tendons that will be used in the connecting links of the wall system, as
crossing the wall-foundation interface, the maximum required by ACI 550.6, is necessary to ensure that the deform-
permissible final effective stress will often be constrained by ability criteria of this provision can be satisfied.
the design and may be as low as 0.3fpu to ensure that the
prestressing steel does not yield in the DBE. Experience 4.6.2 Materials used for connecting links that are exposed
shows (Post-Tensioning Institute 2007), however, that to to weather or corrosive environments shall be stainless steel
prevent strand slippage, either long term or during the DBE conforming to ASTM A955 or shall be corrosion-protected.
event, it is necessary to initially set wedges with forces that R4.6.2 A weldable stainless steel was used for the
create stresses of approximately 70% fpu in the prestressing connecting links of the UFP coupling devices in the PRESSS
steel. This requirement is automatically met when post- building test (Priestley et al. 1999). Suitable materials for
tensioning tendons are jacked to 0.8fpu. If the effective stress corrosion protection are described in R20.6.3 of ACI 318.
in the prestressing steel is to be limited to as little as 0.3fpu ,
separate wedge blocking operations are then necessary. 4.7—Corrosion protection of prestressing tendons
Hydraulic blocking devices can be used that block one 4.7.1 Unbonded prestressing steel shall be corrosion
strand at a time and transfer their reaction force to the protected in accordance with 20.6.3 of ACI 318.
anchorage rather than the strand. R4.7.1 The prestressing steel may be strand, bars, or wire,
The prestress force is also to prevent sliding due to lateral and may be single-strand or multistrand tendons. Multi-
shear forces acting at the wall-foundation interface. A real- strand tendons may require different protection methods
istic assessment of prestress losses becomes essential when than single-strand tendons. Ducts need to be larger in size
low final effective prestress levels are used. Consequently, the than the prestressing steel so that kinking of the steel at the
use of an effective stress less than 0.3fpu is not recommended. wall-foundation interface does not occur.
4.3.4 Bonded pretensioned prestressed reinforcement is 4.7.2 Corrosion protection methods shall be used where
permitted in individual precast wall panels used to construct prestressing tendons cross the wall to foundation interfaces.
a shear wall.
R4.3.4 It can be advantageous to use pretensioned 4.7.3 Post-tensioning anchorages shall be sealed to
prestressed reinforcement in panels to control cracking. prevent water intrusion.
Separate deformed bar boundary reinforcement, however, R4.7.3 Encapsulation in accordance with ACI 423.7
may be needed. Section 6.5.1 should provide adequate protection.
4.4—Concrete CHAPTER 5—STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

Concrete in wall panels shall have fc′ not less than 4000 psi REQUIREMENTS FOR WALLS
(28 MPa). 5.1—General
Designs shall meet the performance requirements of this
4.5—Interface grout section.
Nonshrink grout shall be used at bearing interfaces
between panels and the foundation and, where needed,
R5.1
between individual precast panels. Grout between panels and
The design of a building in a given wall system direction can
the foundation shall contain at least 0.1% fibers by volume
be controlled by strength or drift considerations. Performance
and conform to ASTM C1107.
requirements for the wall system, post-tensioning tendons,
R4.5 wall system-floor system interactions and, for uncoupled
Fiber-reinforced grout is required because testing has walls, the energy-dissipating reinforcement that crosses the
shown that fibers are needed to keep the grout in place and wall-foundation interface, or for coupled walls, the coupling
essentially intact when the walls are at the maximum devices that link the vertical boundaries of adjacent walls, are
displacements permitted by this standard. Fibers may be given in Chapter 5. Specific detailing requirements for uncou-
steel or polypropylene. Refer to Section 6.8. pled wall systems, concentrically post-tensioned, and their
energy-dissipating reinforcement, are given in Chapter 6, and
4.6—Coupling devices those for a coupled wall system with the walls concentrically
4.6.1 Materials for connecting links shall have deforma- post-tensioned and vertically coupled are given in Chapter 7.
tions at failure at least twice the calculated deformation of Specific detailing requirements for the coupling devices for
the link at the design displacement. coupled walls are given in Chapter 8.
R4.6.1 For the coupling device shown in Fig. R2.1, the
connecting link has the shape shown in Fig. R8.1. Deforma- 5.1.1 For all components, there shall be a continuous
tion demand on the U-shaped connecting link can be deter- uninterrupted load path to the foundation, having adequate
mined from the design displacement of the wall system. The strength and stiffness, for all required design loads and load
strain imposed on the material used in the connecting link combinations, including the load effects of earthquakes.
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5.1.2 Integrity of the entire load path shall be ensured 5.3.4 The design total drift angle θLdesign and the design
when the structure, and every story in it, is subject to the story drift angle, calculated as required in Section 5.3.3, shall
limiting story drift angle required by Eq. (5-1) of ACI 550.6 for not exceed two-thirds of the limiting drift required by Eq. (5-1)
the smallest value of hw /lw of any wall in the structure. of ACI 550.6 for the smallest value of hw /lw of any wall in
R5.1.2 The integrity of the load path to the foundation for the structure.
all components should be examined for the position to which R5.3.4 The limiting drift required by Eq. (5-1) of ACI
the structure deforms at its maximum anticipated drift angle. 550.6 is
That angle can be taken as controlled by the smallest hw /lw
value for any wall in one of the orthogonal directions for 0.90 ≤ 0.8[hw /lw] + 0.5 ≤ 3.0 (R5-1)
framing in the building.
5.3.5 The drift angle demand and drift angle capacity for
5.2—Strength any wall shall be calculated as the sum of the components
5.2.1 At all sections, nominal strengths calculated in
caused by: a) the inelastic deformations at the wall-foundation
accordance with the requirements of ACI 318 and Chapters 6
interface at the probable moment strength for that interface;
and 7 of these Design Requirements, multiplied by the
and b) the sum of the deformations, flexural and shear, of the
strength reduction factors specified in ACI 318, shall equal
wall framing into that interface.
or exceed the required strengths for all the load combinations
of 5.3 of ACI 318 involving the earthquake loading E.
5.3.6 Any wall shall be designed to have a drift angle
capacity θLmax and story drift angle capacities equal to or
R5.2.1 While the requirements of Section 5.2 need to be
greater than the limiting story drift angle required by Eq. (5-1)
satisfied for all sections in the structure, greater nominal
of ACI 550.6 for the hw /lw value of that wall.
strengths may be required for sections where capacity
design procedures are used to ensure that horizontal joints
do not open during earthquake events and that inelastic 5.3.7 The story drift angle capacity for the structure shall
action is confined to the toe regions of the walls. be the least drift angle capacity for any wall in that story.
5.2.2 Where required, load conditions necessitating over- 5.4—Wall characteristics

strength factor Ωo applications shall be determined in accor- 5.4.1 The unbonded post-tensioned, uncoupled or vertically
dance with ASCE/SEI 7. coupled, precast concrete walls described in this standard
shall, in addition to satisfying the requirements of 18.2 and
5.2.3 The effect of higher modes of vibration on the shears 18.10 of ACI 318, have characteristics meeting the require-
and moments at all joints within walls and at the base of ments of Sections 5.4.2 through 5.4.5.

walls shall be evaluated and included in required strengths.
R5.2.3 Higher modes of vibration may cause a lowering of 5.4.2 Walls shall be of constant thickness over the height
the effective centroid of the seismic loading from that evaluated of the building and have a height-length ratio hw /lw equal to
using equivalent lateral force procedures. For a given or greater than 0.5.
resistance to overturning moment, the base shear is increased, R5.4.2 This standard assumes that wall behavior is
and local shears and moments within the wall may be controlled by rocking on the wall-foundation interface and
increased. Eberhard and Sozen (1993) provide a method for by flexural deformations. Experimental studies have shown
calculating higher mode effects. that the behavior of walls with hw /lw less than 0.5 is domi-
nated by shear deformations. Therefore, walls designed to
5.3—Drift this standard should have hw /lw equal to or greater than 0.5.
5.3.1 The total drift angle shall be computed as the lateral
displacement at the top of the wall divided by its height. 5.4.3 Walls may consist of a single precast panel or several
precast panels stacked vertically on one another. For stacked
5.3.2 The story drift angle shall be computed as the relative panels all horizontal joints, except those at the wall foundation
lateral displacement between adjacent floors divided by the interface, shall not open in the DBE.
story height.
5.4.4 Precast panels shall be single elements and shall not
5.3.3 The design total drift angle θLdesign and the design be built up from several elements connected across vertical
story drift angle for the structure, of which the walls are part, joints.
shall be calculated as required by Sections 12.8.6, 12.9.2, or R5.4.4 This standard requires that any connection across
16.1 of ASCE/SEI 7. Foundation flexibility shall be consid- a vertical joint be ductile. Precast panels should not be built
ered and, where appropriate, included in the analysis. The up from several elements connected across vertical joints
load-deformation characteristics of the foundation on which that are intended to remain rigid. Unless such joints are
the structure is located shall be modeled in accordance with post-tensioned, the resulting panel has a rigidity less than
Section 12.13.3 of ASCE/SEI 7. that of a panel without such joints.
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5.4.5 Under horizontal ground motions, the precast walls 550.6 and small enough that the effective prestress in the post-
shall be designed to rock about their individual bases in tensioning tendon can close any gap at the wall-foundation
essentially a rigid body motion. interface when earthquake motions cease.
R5.4.5 With the horizontal joints between panels R5.4.8 For uncoupled walls, the energy-dissipating
remaining closed during the DBE, the effects of horizontal reinforcement crossing the wall-foundation interface fulfills
motions are absorbed primarily by the wall rocking on its three functions. First, it is the primary source of energy
interface with the foundation. dissipation that is relied upon for the wall during a seismic
event. For that function, the reinforcement needs, as
5.4.6 Under the DBE and for uncoupled walls, the inter- required by ACI 550.6, to provide a relative energy dissipa-
face between the wall and the foundation shall be the only tion ratio exceeding 1/8. Second, the reinforcement contrib-
location where nonlinear behavior is permitted. Under the utes to the flexural strength of the wall. Third, the
DBE and for coupled walls, the interfaces between the walls reinforcement can act as integrity steel that resists out-of
and the foundation and the coupling devices linking the plane displacements of the wall in the unusual case that the
vertical boundaries of adjacent walls shall be the only locations post-tensioning steel anchorages or couplers slip during an
where nonlinear behavior is permitted. unexpected event. Because the strain capacity of the energy-
R5.4.6 Capacity design principles can be used to ensure dissipating reinforcement is likely to control the maximum
that there is no opening of horizontal wall joints between strength or drift capacity of the wall, that reinforcement is
panels and that horizontal joint opening occurs at wall to best placed as close as possible to the centroid of the wall.
foundation interfaces only.
5.4.9 Devices that couple the vertical faces of adjacent
5.4.7 Post-tensioning tendons in walls shall be concentric walls to create a coupled wall system shall have a strength
within walls and the force in the tendons shall have: a) as large enough to provide the relative energy dissipation ratio
required by Sections 6.5 and 7.5, a steel stress fprs that, in of not less than 1/8 as required by ACI 550.6, and small
combination with the wall stress due to gravity loads, enough that the effective prestress in the wall can ensure that
provides a clamping force across the wall-foundation inter- the residual drift for the coupled walls is zero when earth-
face sufficient to resist, without slipping, the lateral force quake motions cease.
acting on the wall when the probable flexural strength of the R5.4.9 For coupled walls, the devices that cross the
wall is developed; and b) a maximum stress fprs, at the design interface fulfill three functions. First, they are the primary
drift angle θLdesign, that is less than the specified yield source of energy dissipation that is relied upon for the
strength fpy for the post-tensioning tendons. coupled walls during a seismic event. For that function, the
R5.4.7 There should be no slip of the base of the wall relative devices need, as required by ACI 550.6, to provide a rela-
to the foundation under the maximum forces in a seismic tive energy-dissipation ratio exceeding 1/8. Second, the
event. To ensure that condition and that the building will not devices couple adjacent walls so that the strength of the

show permanent displacements following a major event, the coupled walls is greater than the sum of the individual
post-tensioning tendons passing through the walls need to strengths of the walls that are coupled. Finally, the devices
remain essentially elastic during the DBE. Further, for provide an integrity action additional to that provided by
uncoupled walls, the effective prestress force in the post- the post-tensioning tendons.
tensioning tendons needs to be sufficient to cause compressive
yielding in the energy-dissipating reinforcement crossing the 5.4.10 For any precast panel making up a wall:
wall-foundation interface. Only then will any gap between (a) Reinforcement shall be provided around the perimeter
the wall and the foundation that develops during an event of the panel, and anchored at corners, that provides a
close after oscillations cease, because the energy-dissi- nominal tensile strength of not less than 6000 lb (26,690 N)
pating reinforcement develops permanent elongations as per horizontal foot of panel;
those bars yield in tension. Similarly, for coupled walls, the (b) Except for the bottom panel-to-foundation connection,
effective prestress force in the tendons needs to be sufficient the reinforcement used to make connections between panels
to overcome any residual distortions of the coupling devices. shall not yield prior to attainment of the design strength of
Only then will the building have no residual lateral displace- the wall; and
ment after seismic oscillations cease. (c) Reinforcement used to make connections between
panels shall be spliced using Type 1 mechanical splices.
5.4.8 For uncoupled walls, one-half the area of the energy- R5.4.10 By selection of the prestressing force and material
dissipation reinforcement at the wall-foundation interface strengths in accordance with the principles of capacity
shall be placed on either side of the vertical centerline of the design, joints between panels can effectively be made both
longitudinal direction of the wall and shall be evenly distributed rigid and adequately strong. No significant opening or
about that centerline. This reinforcement shall be anchored in sliding should then occur on joints internal to a wall during
the foundation and debonded for a specified length in the wall seismic motions. The reinforcement tensile strength require-
adjacent to the wall-foundation interface. This reinforcement ment of 6000 lb (26,690 N) per horizontal foot of panel is
shall have a strength that is large enough to provide the relative consistent with the vertical tension tie requirements of
energy-dissipation ratio of not less than 1/8 required by ACI 16.2.5.2 of ACI 318.
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5.5—Distribution of walls within structures

5.5.1 In structures where precast walls are used in combina-
tion with precast concrete gravity-load-carrying frames, the
lateral-force-resisting walls shall be well distributed within the
structure. The requirements of Section 12.3.2.1 of ASCE/SEI 7
concerning horizontal irregularity shall be satisfied.
R5.5.1 If the walls are not well distributed within the struc-
ture, excessive out-of-plane actions can be exerted on walls.
5.5.2 The redundancy factor ρr requirements of Section

12.3.4.2 of ASCE/SEI 7 shall be satisfied.
R5.5.2 For special shear walls ASCE/SEI 7 specifies that
a redundancy factor of 1.3 shall be applied to the lateral
load forces unless certain conditions on wall distribution
and number are satisfied. Fig. R6.1—Monotonic lateral load-lateral displacement
response for wall system of Fig. R1.1(a).
5.6—Wall system-gravity load frame interactions
The lateral stiffness of the gravity load system increases ently than monolithic walls, the pattern of inclined cracking
the shear demands on the lateral-force-resisting shear walls also differs. If the shear stresses are relatively high, however,
and the effect of their presence on the performance of the walls can still develop inclined cracks, and web reinforcement
wall system shall be evaluated. Gravity load frames that are is still needed to control the opening of those cracks.
supported on the ends of shear walls or parallel shear walls
shall not be assumed to contribute to the strength of the shear 6.2.2 Reinforcement within the panels that make up struc-
wall system. tural walls shall be provided at slab edges with standard
hooks satisfying 25.3 of ACI 318.
R5.6
Perimeter framing and shear walls undergo equal lateral 6.3—Prestress force
displacements during seismic action and therefore the 6.3.1 Minimum prestress force Aps fse shall be
perimeter framing can contribute to the overall stiffness of
the structure. In the PRESSS building test, that effect Aps fse + 0.9Dc = As fu (6-1)
resulted in approximately 30% of the strength in the wall
direction being provided by the gravity load perimeter where As fu is the tensile strength of all the energy-dissi-
framing (Thomas and Sritharan 2004). While such contribu- pating reinforcement, and Dc is the self-weight of the wall

tions of the perimeter gravity load framing to the overall plus any dead loads acting on it, including the self-weight of
stiffness of the building can be recognized, those contributions any components directly attached to the wall.
should not be relied upon in building strength evaluation. R6.3.1 For the wall to return to the upright position when the
seismic motions cease and force any crack that develops at the
CHAPTER 6—DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR wall-foundation to close, the compressive force exerted by the
UNCOUPLED WALL SYSTEMS
6.1—Scope effective prestress force and the axial load on the wall should
The requirements of this section apply to cantilever walls be large enough to overcome the maximum tensile force that
that are uncoupled and used as part of the seismic-force- can develop in the energy-dissipating reinforcement.
resisting system. The lateral load-lateral displacement response of the wall
of Fig. R1.1(a) can be idealized as shown in Fig. R6.1 for
R6.1 walls designed in accordance with this standard. At “a” on
The walls considered in this section are assumed to have that response, the tension side of the wall starts to separate
main features as shown in Fig. R1.1(a) and a lateral load- from the foundation. At “b,” the extreme tensile layer of the
lateral displacement response as shown in Fig. R6.1. energy-dissipating reinforcement reaches its yield stress,
and at “c,” the extreme tensile layer of the energy-dissi-
6.2—Materials pating reinforcement effectively reaches its tensile strength
6.2.1 The distributed web reinforcement requirements of when the strain in it reaches the plateau associated with that
18.10.2.1 and 18.10.2.2 of ACI 318 shall be satisfied within strength at approximately a strain of 0.7εu. From that point
each panel unless validation testing in accordance with ACI on, the stiffness of the system is essentially determined by the
550.6 has shown that the width of inclined cracks in the walls stiffness of the prestressing tendons. At “d,” the energy-
can be controlled by other means. dissipating reinforcement fractures. Section 6.3.2 requires
R6.2.1 The amount and the distribution of web reinforce- that the conditions for “b” occur before the stress in the
ment required for monolithic walls in ACI 318 is intended to prestressing steel exceeds 0.95fpy. The strain requirements
control the width of any inclined cracks that form in the wall. of Section 6.6.3.1 are intended to ensure that the conditions
Because the walls considered in this standard behave differ- for “d” occur before the confined concrete crushes.
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6.3.2 The value for fse, in combination with the location and the bonding of those reinforcements on either side of the
for the energy-dissipating reinforcement, shall result in the interface. Where grout is used to bed panels on the founda-
energy-dissipating reinforcement yielding before the tion and between panels, the characteristics of that grout in
prestressing steel stress reaches 0.95fpy. terms of materials, strength, and thickness can have a large
effect on wall performance. The typical grout pad with a
6.4—Energy-dissipating reinforcement thickness of 1 in. (25 mm) or less can be expected to provide
6.4.1 The energy-dissipating reinforcement provided at a coefficient of friction of approximately 0.6 under reversed
the base of the wall shall provide at least 25% of the nominal loadings (Hutchinson et al. 1993; Soudki et al. 1995a,b).
flexural strength of the wall at the wall-foundation interface. Pads with greater thickness and without fiber reinforcement
R6.4.1 The 25% requirement is intended to ensure that the exhibit lesser coefficients of friction. Adequate frictional
energy-dissipating reinforcement provides a relative resistance is essential to preventing undesirable slip along
energy-dissipation ratio of at least 1/8 as required by ACI the wall-foundation interface. Fiber reinforcement is essential
550.6. This 25% value is based on the work of Kurama to preventing breakup of the grout and maintenance of the
(2002). Alternatively, the required amount of reinforcement coefficient of friction. Section 6.8 permits the use of grout
could be calculated using the procedures developed by types that differ from those tested by Hutchinson et al. (1993)
Restrepo (2002). and the maximum joint thickness permitted in Section 5.8 is
larger than the maximum considered in those tests. For these
6.4.2 The energy-dissipating reinforcement shall be anchored reasons, a smaller value of μ, equal to 0.5, is specified.
by: 1) being cast into the concrete of the foundation or wall At horizontal joints within the wall, other than the joint at
panel during the placement of that concrete; 2) being grouted in the wall-foundation interface, the nominal shear strength
ducts positioned in the foundation or wall panel prior to the can be computed using shear friction principles because
placement of the concrete for those members; or 3) use of a capacity design principles should be used to ensure that
Type 2 splice that connects energy-dissipating reinforcement those joints remain closed during the DBE event.
cast separately in the wall panel and the foundation.
6.5.2 At the probable flexural strength for the wall-foun-
6.4.3 Development length ld for energy-dissipating rein- dation interface Mpr , calculated as described in Section
forcement anchored in corrugated metal ducts shall be taken 6.6.3, φ times the nominal shear strength Vn for the wall, and
as 25db unless a lesser value is established from a compre- φ times the nominal horizontal shear strength for the inter-
hensive set of tests. face Vni, shall be equal to or greater than the base shear
R6.4.3 Bars anchored in concrete confined by corrugated causing Mpr. In addition, φ times the nominal horizontal
metal ducts, such as the spirally wound light-gauge steel shear strength on each horizontal joint between precast
ducts used for grouted post-tensioned construction, require panels within the wall shall be equal to or greater than the
less development length than bars anchored in monolithic shear acting at the level of that joint when Mpr is developed

concrete (Raynor 2000). For a Grade 60 (420 MPa) steel at the wall-foundation interface. The increase in the post-
and a 5000 psi (35 MPa) concrete, 18.8.5 of ACI 318 tensioning force with lateral displacement may be used in
requires a 32.6db development length for a straight bar. calculating Vn and Vni.
Because of the presence of the metal duct, a shorter develop-
ment length can be required for the special reinforcement 6.5.3 Unless demonstrated by test and analysis that an
than that specified in 18.8.5 of ACI 318. Analysis of avail- alternative procedure can be used, the wall-foundation inter-
able results shows that a length of 25db is appropriate if no face requirement of Section 6.5.2 shall be satisfied by taking
fibers are used in the grout, and even shorter lengths are φ times the nominal horizontal shear strength Vni as μC,
appropriate when a polypropylene multifilament fiber is where C is the compressive force acting on the concrete at
used in the grout. The depth of the foundation needs to be the interface at Mpr and is computed in accordance with
large enough to anchor the energy-dissipating reinforce- Section 5.6.3.8. The coefficient of friction μ shall be taken as
ment. The use of heads on the deformed bars can reduce the 0.5 unless demonstrated by a comprehensive series of tests
anchorage length of that energy-dissipating reinforcement. that the use of a higher value is justified. Unless demon-
strated by tests and analysis that an alternative procedure can
6.5—Shear strength be used, the requirement of Section 6.5.2 for the shear
6.5.1 Unless demonstrated by test and analysis that alter- strength on the horizontal joints between precast panels shall
nate procedures can be used, the Vn of the wall shall be be satisfied by computing Vn on each joint using the shear
calculated as specified in 18.10.4.1 and 18.10.4.2 of ACI friction provisions of 11.7 of ACI 318, with μ taken as 0.6λ,
318, and shear reinforcement shall be provided as required and fy in Eq. (22.9.4.2) taken as fprs.
by 18.10.4.3 of ACI 318.
R6.5.1 Details of the connection of walls to the foundation 6.5.4 φ for shear shall be taken as 0.75 as specified in
are critical. The deformations that occur at the base of the 21.2.1 of ACI 318.
wall due to plastic hinging or extension of the reinforcing R6.5.4 Because the wall is designed for the shear that accom-
bars and post-tensioning steel crossing the wall to foundation panies development of the probable flexural strength of the
interface are in part determined by details of the anchorage wall, the reduced φ of 21.2.1 of ACI 318 is not applicable.
@Seismicisolation
@Seismicisolation

6.6—Flexural strength and drift limits

6.6.1 General considerations
6.6.1.1 Walls and portions of walls shall satisfy the
requirements for flexure and axial loads of 18.10.5 of ACI
318. The boundary element design requirements of 18.10.6
shall be satisfied unless testing in accordance with ACI
550.6 has shown otherwise. Until θL exceeds θLdesign the
opening of horizontal joints between precast panels within
the wall shall be prevented using capacity design principles.
R6.6.1.1 The lateral force-drift angle response of a wall
is similar to that of the lateral force-lateral displacement
response shown in Fig. R6.1. The probable flexural strength
Mpr at the wall-foundation interface and the corresponding
maximum drift angle capacity θLmax of the wall are the peak
response values. θLdesign is to be less than two-thirds θ Lmax,
and φ Mn is to be greater than the Mu at which θ Ldesign
develops. Sritharan et al. (2007) showed that the assumption Fig. R6.2—Conditions as probable flexural strength for
base of wall of Fig. R1.1(a).
of Section 6.6.1.2 is realistic once the rotation at the wall-
foundation interface exceeds about 0.003; therefore, for
most designs, the assumption is reasonable for calculations 6.6.3 Probable flexural strength
of both Mn and Mpr. Provided the wall rocks about its base
6.6.3.1 The probable flexural strength Mpr at the wall-
and the horizontal joints between precast panels over the
foundation interface and the corresponding maximum drift
height of the wall do not open, the assumption of Section
angle capacity θLmax shall be calculated based on the
6.6.1.4 is also realistic. Opening at other horizontal joint
locations can be prevented through the use of capacity assumptions given in Sections 6.6.3.2 through 6.6.3.9 of this
design principles. standard and satisfaction of applicable conditions of equilib-
rium and compatibility of deformations.
6.6.1.2 The distance from the extreme compression fiber R6.6.3.1 Figure R6.2 shows the conditions assumed to
to the neutral axis shall be assumed to remain constant as θL exist at the wall-foundation interface when the energy-dissi-
increases from θLdesign to θLmax. pating reinforcement is stressed to its tensile strength fu. The
assumptions for the magnitude and location for the compres-
6.6.1.3 The value of θLmax shall equal or exceed 1.5 sion force and the use of fu for both groups of energy-dissi-
times θLdesign.

pating reinforcement are consistent with the limitations for
those characteristics described herein. The width of the joint
6.6.1.4 As the connection at the interface opens, the opening at the location of the energy-dissipating reinforce-
elongation Δs of the energy-dissipating reinforcement in ment furthest from the extreme compression fiber of the wall
tension, and the additional elongation Δprs of the post- is given by Eq. (6-2). The effective debonded length of α bdd,
tensioning tendon, shall be assumed to be directly propor- additional to the deliberately debonded length of Lu, is
tional to distance from the neutral axis. based on an analysis of the crack widths measured in the
tests reported by Cheok et al. (1996). Smaller additional
6.6.2 Nominal flexural strength effective debonded lengths were found in tests (Raynor 2000)
6.6.2.1 φ times the nominal flexural strength at the wall- where anchorage conditions were different to those reported
foundation interface shall be equal to or greater than the by Cheok et al. (1996). It is desirable that the designer
design overturning moment Mu. In addition, φ times the examine variations in the calculated response with varia-
nominal flexural strength at any section within the height of tions in values for Lu and αb before settling on a design
the wall shall exceed the overturning moment acting at the detail for the deliberately debonded region of the energy-
same section. dissipating reinforcement. As α b values vary from 2.0 to 5.5,
values for Mpr increase slowly, while values for drift
6.6.2.2 The design drift angle, θLdesign, corresponding to increase more rapidly.
the design displacement and the design story drift angle,
When the interface rotates about its neutral axis, located
shall satisfy Section 5.3.4.
at a distance c from the extreme compression fiber of the
wall or the grout pad, whichever is the lesser, the joint
6.6.2.3 The nominal flexural strength Mn at the wall-
foundation interface for the design drift angle, θLdesign, opening at the level of the post-tensioned strands is Δprs ,
corresponding to the design displacement, shall be calcu- where Δprs is given by
lated based on satisfaction of applicable conditions of equi-
librium and compatibility of deformations. @Seismicisolation Δ = Δs [(lw /2) – c]/((lw /2 + e – c)
@Seismicisolation prs
(R6-1)
If Lups is the length over which the post-tensioning tendon Table 6.1—Ratio of core strength to concrete
is unbonded, the strain in the strands at the probable flexural strength based on lateral confinement
strength can be computed by Eq. (6-3). Because the tendon fL′/fc′ 0.036 0.072 0.108 0.144 0.180
is unbonded anchorage to anchorage, Lups equals the fcc′ /fc′ 1.23 1.43 1.60 1.76 1.90
anchorage-to-anchorage distance, and Δprs is the joint
opening at the tendon location. The strain εprs is directly
related to Δprs because Section 5.4.6 requires no openings of 6.6.3.4 The total strain in the prestressing reinforcement,
joints along the length of the tendon except at the wall-to- εprs, after rotation at the interface, shall be calculated as
foundation interface at the design displacement.
The probable flexural strength Mpr is the sum of the Δ prs
ε prs = ε se +  ---------- (6-3)
contributions from the energy-dissipating reinforcement Ms  L ups
and the post-tensioned reinforcement Mprs. Those moments
are given by
where εse is the strain in the prestressing reinforcement at its
effective stress, and Lups is the unbonded length of the
Ms = Asfu(lw – a)/2 (R6-2)
tendon from its anchor in the foundation to its anchor at the
top of the wall. The stress fprs in the post-tensioning tendon
provided at θLdesign shall not exceed fpy.
(lw/2 – e)/(lw/2 + e) > 0.78 (R6-3) 6.6.3.5 Strain in the compressed concrete shall be
assumed directly proportional to the distance from the
and neutral axis and the maximum usable strain at the extreme
compression fiber shall be that given by Eq. (6-5).
Mprs = Aps fprs(lw – a)/2 (R6-4)
6.6.3.6 The compressed concrete shall be confined by
where transverse reinforcement satisfying the requirements of
18.10.6.4(e) of ACI 318. The transverse reinforcement shall
a = βc (R6-5) extend horizontally from the extreme compression fiber a
distance not less than 0.95c, and not less than 12 in. (305 mm),
and fprs is the stress corresponding to εprs. where c is the neutral axis depth.
The 0.78 limit is needed to ensure that the steel stress can
be taken as fu for the two groups of energy-dissipating 6.6.3.7 The relationship between concrete compressive
reinforcement located on either side of the centroid of the wall. stress distribution and concrete strain shall be assumed to be

For a design earthquake having a 10% probability of of any shape in substantial agreement with the results of
occurrence in 50 years, the design drift angle concept should comprehensive tests.
be consistent with the design displacement concept specified
in 2.3 of ACI 318. 6.6.3.8 Requirements of Section 6.6.3.7 are satisfied by
an equivalent rectangular concrete stress distribution defined
6.6.3.2 The strain in the energy-dissipating reinforce- by the following:
ment in tension, εsu , shall be calculated as (a) Concrete stress of 0.92fcc ′ assumed uniformly distrib-
uted over a rectangular compression zone extending a
Δs distance of 0.96c from the extreme concrete compression
ε su = ----------------------------
- (6-2)
( Lu + αb db ) fiber; and
(b) A value of fcc ′ determined from Table 6.1, where fL′
where Lu is the length over which the energy-dissipating is the effective lateral confining stress provided by the trans-
reinforcement is deliberately debonded in the wall adjacent verse reinforcement, and fL′ equals 0.45ρs fyt for spiral rein-
to the interface, and αb is a coefficient quantifying the effec- forcement and 0.35ρ f
s yt for rectangular hoops, where ρs is
tive additional debonded length that develops in the energy- the ratio of volume of hoop or spiral reinforcement to total
dissipating reinforcement at the probable flexural strength of volume of core confined by hoops or spirals and measured
the wall-foundation interface. The value of αb shall not be out-to-out of hoops or spirals. Where the transverse rein-
taken as greater than 5.5 nor less than 2.0. forcement is rectangular hoops, ρs equals ρx + ρy where ρx,
ρy are the transverse reinforcement ratios in the directions
6.6.3.3 At Mpr , the strain calculated from Eq. (6-2) shall parallel to the major, minor axes of the compressed area; and
be not greater than 0.85εu. Unless the steel stress corresponding fyt is the specified yield strength of transverse reinforcement, psi.
to the εsu calculated from Eq. (6-2) is determined from the Interpolation shall be permitted between values in Table 6.1.
measured stress-strain properties for that steel, it shall be R6.6.3.8 Calculation of the neutral axis depth, the
permitted to take the stress in the energy-dissipating reinforce- magnitude of the compression force at Mpr , and the
ment at the probable flexural strength as fu. maximum usable strain at the extreme compression fiber are
@Seismicisolation
@Seismicisolation

based on the models proposed by Sritharan et al. (2007). It an area equal to the thickness of the wall at the interface and
is assumed in this standard that the magnitude of the 0.96 times the neutral axis depth at the probable flexural
compression force is determined by the strength of the strength of the interface.
confined concrete in the toe of the wall, and not by the
strength of the grout pad or the concrete foundation. Where 6.8—Interface grout
very heavy transverse confining reinforcement is used in the 6.8.1 Interface grout shall satisfy the requirements of
toe of the wall, any limitation imposed by the bearing Section 4.5. The thickness of the nonshrink interface grout
strengths of the grout pad and foundation should be checked. shall not exceed 1.5 in. (38 mm).
Those strengths depend on the geometric proportions of the R6.8.1 The performance of the joint between the wall and
pad and of the foundation in addition to the measured the foundation directly depends on the toughness of the grout
compressive strengths of the materials used in the pad and used in the interface. The interface is also one of the few
the foundation. Bearing strength limitations for the founda- locations where erection tolerances can be provided. The
tion are specified in 22.8.3 of ACI 318. Bearing strength grout in the joint should remain intact and not crush or fall
limitations for the interface grout are specified in Section out before the compression end of the wall starts crushing or
6.8.3 of this standard. spalling in an extreme event. Section 4.5 requires use of fiber
The compression force at the toe of the wall is provided reinforcement in the grout to ensure adequate grout tough-
by a stress of α fcc′ acting over a wall length of β c. The ness. Fibers may be steel or polypropylene. Polypropylene
values for α and β vary with the concrete strength in the fibers are desirable in exposed locations because joints with
wall, the confinement of the toe, and the extreme fiber steel fibers can be susceptible to rusting, and polypropylene
compressive strain for the wall. The values of 0.92 and 0.96 fibers provide added resistance to spalling during fire. The
used for α and β , respectively, are reasonable lower-bound testing described in the references (Rahman and Restrepo
values for the range of fc′ values of 4000 to 8000 psi (28 to 2000; Sause and Pessiki 2005; Schultz and Magana 1996)
55 MPa) and the fL′ /fc′ values shown in Table 6.1. The ratio used polypropylene fibers.
′ /fc′ depends on the effective lateral confining stress fL′
of fcc If the joint is too thick, the grout can fail under a combina-
provided by the transverse reinforcement. Values of fL′ /fc′ in tion of shear and axial stress at stresses less than the
Table 6.1 are multiples of the minimum confinement compressive strength of the grout. The compressive strength
required by Table 18.10.6.4(f) of ACI 318. of the grout should be approximately the same as the
6.6.3.9 The value of θLmax shall not exceed the value of compressive strength of the precast wall. If the grout has
θL at which the maximum usable strain εcmax is reached in considerably greater strength than the wall, it can cause
the extreme compression fiber premature crushing of the concrete at the compression
corner of the wall at high displacement levels. If the grout
θLmax = εcmax Lp /c (6-4) has considerably less strength than the wall, it will crush
first at high strain levels and cause a prestress loss, the

where effects of which will be difficult to offset during any subse-
quent repair operations. The limitation of Section 6.8.3
recognizes the strength increase that results as the thickness
εcmax = 0.004 + 4.6εsut(fL′ /fcc
′ ) (6-5)
of the grout layer decreases in relation to the lesser width of
the grout layer (Price 1951).
and εsut is the ultimate specified strain capacity of transverse
reinforcement, and Lp is effective height of plastic hinging 6.8.2 The specified compressive strength of the grout shall
zone at toe of wall = 0.06hw. be not less than fc′ .
R6.6.3.9 The value of θLmax will usually be limited by
the conditions specified in Section 6.6.1. The value of εcmax ′ calculated in Section 6.6.3.8(b) shall
6.8.3 The stress fcc
specified by Eq. (6-5) is the maximum strain at which frac- not exceed 2.5 times the specified compressive strength of
ture is predicted for the transverse reinforcement. the grout.
6.7—Detailing of lowermost wall panel CHAPTER 7—DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

6.7.1 The bottom of the lowermost wall panel that sits on FOR COUPLED WALL SYSTEMS
the foundation shall be detailed to minimize the effects of 7.1—Scope
crushing and spalling where the corners of that panel bear on The requirements of this section apply to shear walls that
the interface grout. The details to satisfy this requirement are connected along adjacent vertical edges by coupling
shall be indicated on the design drawings or in the project devices and are used as part of the seismic-force-resisting
specifications. system. Except for possible height variations as a result of
setbacks or the extension of one wall above the other adja-
6.7.2 Reinforcement shall be provided in the bottom of the cent wall to which it is coupled, walls shall have identical
lowermost wall panel parallel to the foundation surface that cross-sectional dimensions, reinforcement details, and initial
is adequate to resist the spalling stresses at the panel surface prestressing forces; and all coupled edges shall contain an
equal number of identical coupling devices.
created by the force C, specified in Section 6.5.3, acting over@Seismicisolation
@Seismicisolation

7.2—Materials
Materials shall satisfy the requirements of Section 6.2.
7.3—Coupling devices
7.3.1 Each coupling device shall exhibit a relative energy-
dissipation ratio greater than 1/8 when cycled between
maximum displacements equal to the displacement imposed
on the connectors when the wall system is displaced to 1.5
times its design displacement.
R7.3.1 The UFP coupling devices, defined in R2.2 and
described in Chapter 8, provide a relative energy-dissipa-
tion ratio greater than 1/8 when they are constructed of
ASTM A240 Type 304 stainless steel and are designed to
yield before the wall system reaches its design displacement.
7.3.2 The number of devices, ncon, in each joint between

precast walls shall be equal to or greater than
ncon = 0.3Mn/((n – 1)Fconlw) (7-1)
where Mn is the nominal moment capacity of wall system at

the design displacement, in.-lb (Nm); n is the number of
walls in the system; and Fcon is the connector force at design
displacement, lb (N).
R7.3.2 The basis for Eq. (7-1) is detailed in Sritharan et al.
(2007) and should ensure that the coupling devices yield
before the wall system reaches its design displacement.
7.3.3 For a UFP coupling device, Fcon equals Vscu calcu-

lated from Eq. (8-1).
7.4—Prestress force
7.4.1 The required area Aps of the post-tensioning steel Fig. R7.1—Forces and displacements for wall systems of

shall be determined using moment equilibrium for the forces Fig. R1.1(b) at base rotation θLdesign.
acting on the base of the wall that provides the larger, or
largest, moment resistance at the design displacement.
Coupling devices shall be assumed to have reached their factor used in Eq. (7-2), and the procedures for calculating
limiting strength, and the prestressing steel shall be assumed the area of post-tensioning steel and the initial stress level
to be at 0.95fpy at the design displacement. For a two-wall for that steel are detailed in Sritharan et al. (2007).
system, the larger resistance is provided by the leading wall.
For a three or greater wall system, the largest resistance is 7.4.2 The design moment Mdw for the wall providing the
provided by an intermediate wall. greater or greatest resistance shall be taken as
R7.4.1 The forces acting on two- and three-wall coupled
systems for a given base rotation θ are shown in Fig. R7.1. Mdw = Mu /n + (λ pnconFconl w) (7-2)
For the three-wall system, the individual walls in the system
are described as “leading,” “intermediate,” and “trailing,” where λp equals 0.9 for a two-wall system and 1.05 for a
as shown in Fig. R1.1(b)(ii) and Fig. R7.1. Horizontal three or greater wall system, and ncon is the number of
ground motions cause each wall to rock about its base, coupling devices per vertical joint for the walls.
moving essentially as a rigid body. The idealized monotonic
lateral load-lateral displacement response for such systems, 7.4.3 For determination of Mdw, the position at which the
designed in accordance with this standard, is essentially as compressive force acts on the toe of the wall shall be
shown in Fig. R6.1. At “a,” the tension side of each wall determined in accordance with Section 6.6.3.8.
starts to separate from the foundation. At “b,” the coupling
devices yield, and at “c,” the strain in the coupling devices 7.4.4 The required initial stress in the prestressing steel,
reaches approximately 0.7εscu. At “d,” the coupling devices fse, shall be determined by calculating the neutral axis depth
fracture. While the response of the coupling devices is likely at the compression toe of the trailing wall and assuming the
to be elastoplastic; for simplicity, that response is assumed post-tensioning tendons in the trailing wall are at 0.9fpy at the
the λp
to be rigid plastic in this standard. The basis for @Seismicisolation design displacement.
@Seismicisolation

7.4.5 The area Aps determined in accordance with CHAPTER 8—DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Section 7.4.1 and the initial stress fse determined in accor- FOR COUPLING DEVICES
dance with Section 7.4.4 shall be used for all walls in the 8.1—Scope
The requirements of this section apply to coupling devices
coupled wall system.
used to transfer shear between adjacent vertical edges of
seismic-force-resisting coupled walls.
7.5—Shear strength
7.5.1 The Vn value for each wall in the system shall be
R8.1
calculated as specified in Section 6.5.1 and φVn for each wall In accordance with ACI 550.6, coupling devices should be
shall exceed the fraction of the horizontal base shear acting demonstrated to have the strength, ductility, and energy-
on that wall when the wall system develops its probable dissipating toughness required for their use in an actual
flexural strength. structure either by prior testing of those elements at half
R7.5.1 Failure in shear of any one of the walls in a scale or larger or by their testing as part of the validation
coupled wall system is likely to trigger shear failure of the testing of the unbonded post-tensioned precast coupled
whole system. A sliding shear movement at the base of a wall walls. The use of commercially fabricated devices whose
system, however, would involve movement of all walls in the strength, displacement ductility, and energy-dissipating
system and, therefore, the shear strength is controlled by the toughness is guaranteed by the device supplier is preferable
sum of the Vni values for the individual walls. to the use of shear transfer devices developed in accordance
with the requirements of this section. Design requirements
7.5.2 The sum of the Vni values for each wall in the system are described in this section for UFP coupling devices that
shall exceed the horizontal base shear acting on the wall replicate the devices used in the PRESSS building. Concepts
system when the system develops its probable flexural for other types of shear transfer devices are described in
strength. The Vni value for each wall shall be calculated as Banks and Stanton (2005).
specified in Section 6.5.3. The sum of the Vn values for any
horizontal joint between precast panels for each wall in the 8.2—General
system shall exceed the horizontal shear acting on that level In accordance with the requirements of Section 5.4 of ACI
of the wall system when the system develops its probable 550.6, commercially available coupling devices shall be
flexural strength. The Vn on horizontal joints shall be calcu- used unless commercial devices are not available, in which
lated as specified in Section 6.5.3. case design and fabrication procedures shall satisfy the
requirements of Sections 8.3 and 8.4.
7.5.3 φ for shear shall be taken as 0.75 as specified in Coupling devices are defined in Section 2.2. as consisting
Table 21.2.1 of ACI 318. of anchorages and connecting links. This section concerns
the design of the connecting links. Anchorages must meet
the strength requirements of 18.5.2 of ACI 318.

7.6—Flexural strength and drift limits
7.6.1 Coupled walls and portions of coupled walls shall
satisfy the requirements of Sections 6.6.1, 6.6.2, and 6.6.3. 8.3—Materials
For devices incorporated into an actual structure, steel
materials shall be from the same heat and to the same
7.6.2 The probable flexural strength Mpr at the wall- specification, and the fabrication procedures used shall be the
foundation interface for the coupled wall system and the same as those for devices that are tested to demonstrate that
corresponding maximum drift angle capacity θLmax shall be they have the strength, shear displacement capacity, and
calculated based on the assumptions given in Section 6.6.1 energy-dissipating toughness required by the designer. Addi-
and 6.6.3 of this standard and satisfaction of applicable tional material requirements are specified in Section 4.6.
conditions of equilibrium and compatibility of deformations.
8.4—Design methodology
7.6.3 The value of θLmax for the coupled wall system shall This section details a design methodology for a
equal or exceed 1.5θLdesign. connecting link of a UFP coupling device that consists of a
steel plate bent through 180 degrees and welded at its ends to
7.6.4 The assumptions and requirements of Section 6.6 shall embed plates anchored in adjacent panels. A pair of links
apply separately to each wall in the coupled wall system. with their bends oriented in opposite directions provides a
symmetrical connection.
7.7—Lowermost panel The nominal shear capacity Vscu equals
The detailing of the bottom of the lowermost panel of
every wall in the coupled wall system shall satisfy the Vscu = (bsctsc /2)(fscuεscu)/2 (8-1)
requirements of Section 6.7.
where bsc is the width of link bar, in. (mm); tsc is the thickness
7.8—Interface grout of link bar, in. (mm); fscu is the specified tensile strength of
The interface grout provided between the coupled wall and link bar material, psi (MPa); and εscu is the ultimate tensile
the foundation shall satisfy the requirements of Section 6.8.@Seismicisolation
strain of link bar material.
@Seismicisolation

Ksc = Es(tsc)3/(4.5)(π)(asc)3 (8-2)
where Es is the modulus of elasticity of steel, psi (MPa); and

asc is the radius of the 180 degree bend for the link measured
to its inside face, in. (mm).
R8.4
The connecting link of the UFP coupling device is an
energy-dissipating flexible connector in which rolling-
bending action resists vertical shear force. The link provides
little resistance to in-plane movement that is normal to the
joint so that it is well suited to coupled wall applications.
The forces Msc and Vsc assumed to be acting on a link
Fig. R8.1—(i) UFP connecting link forces; and (ii) typical when the two sides are displaced relative to one another are
details as tested by Thomas (2003). shown in Fig. R8.1(i) (Stanton and Nakaki 2002). Moment
equilibrium requires that at the nominal strength of the link
Vscudsc = 2Mpsc (R8-1)
where Mpsc is the plastic moment strength of the link, and

Mpsc = (bsctsc2)fscu /4.
As the straight part of the plate is bent, the strain change in
the outer fiber of the link caused by the change in curvature is
εsc = tsc /dsc (R8-2)
where εsc is the maximum strain that can be imposed cycli-

cally and repeatedly on the link without damaging it. That
maximum strain is approximately εscu /2. Combining those
three equations results in the Vscu value of Eq. (8-1). One
limitation on the displacement capacity is the distance AB in

Fig. R8.1 between the springing point for the bend (A in Fig.
R8.1(ii)) in the connecting link of the UFP coupling device
and the start of its attachment point (B in Fig. R8.1(ii)) to the
embedded plate. The other is the strain capacity for the steel
in the connecting link.
In experiments (Schultz and Magana 1996), ASTM A36
steel cracked when bent to the radius shown in Fig. R8.1(ii).
Therefore, ASTM A240/A240M Type 304 stainless steel was
used in their link test because of its high strain capacity. In
other tests (Conley et al. 2002; Thomas 2003) and in the
PRESSS building, the same steel was used with excellent
results. In those tests, the effective yield stress of the link was
about 60% of its ultimate capacity. Figure R8.2 (Thomas
2003) shows the response for a 3 x 3/8 in. (76 x 10 mm) UFP
connecting link bent so that dsc was 3.88 in. (98 mm) and
Fig. R8.2—Response to differing loading histories for UFP subject to a cyclically reversing load history and to a load
connecting links of type used in PRESSS building and with history similar to that imposed on the UFP coupling device
dimensions shown in Fig. R8.1(ii). in the PRESSS building. The stainless steel plate had a yield
stress of 40 ksi (276 MPa), an ultimate strength of 85 ksi
The distance between the start of the attachment point for (586 MPa) and an ultimate strain at fracture of 38%. For
the UFP connecting link and the springing point for the 180- that test, the distance AB in Fig. R8.1(ii) was 3 in. (76 mm).
degree bend shall be one-third greater than the required ulti- Results for tests on duplicate specimens were very similar.
mate shear displacement capacity for the link. The relationship recommended by Thomas (2003) is shown
The initial stiffness Ksc of the link can be calculated in Fig. 8.2(i) by broken lines for design for the UFP coupling
approximately as device used in the PRESSS building.
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CHAPTER 9—COMMENTARY REFERENCES from the PRESSS Five-Story Precast Concrete Test
Banks, G., and Stanton, J., 2005, “Panel-to-Panel Connec- Building,” PCI Journal, V. 44, No. 6, Nov.-Dec., pp. 42-67.
tions for Hollow-Core Shear Walls Subject to Seismic Rahman, A. M., and Restrepo, J. I., 2000, “Earthquake
Loading,” PCI Convention, Palm Springs, CA. Resistant Precast Concrete Buildings: Seismic Performance
Bora, C.; Oliva, M. G.; Nakaki, S. D.; and Becker, R., of Cantilever Walls Prestressed Using Unbonded Tendons,”
2007, “Development of a Precast Concrete Shear-Wall Research Report 2000-5, Department of Civil Engineering,
System Requiring Special Code Acceptance,” PCI Journal,
University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, Aug.
V. 52, No. 1, Jan.-Feb., pp. 122-135.
Raynor, D. J., 2000, “Bond Assessment of Hybrid Frame
Cheok, G. S.; Stone, W. C.; and Nakaki, S. D., 1996,
Continuity Reinforcement,” MSCE thesis, University of
“Simplified Design Procedure for Hybrid Precast Concrete
Connections,” NISTIR 5765, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD, Washington, Seattle, WA.
Feb., 81 pp. Restrepo, J. I., 2002, “New Generation of Earthquake
Conley, J.; Sritharan, S.; and Priestley, M. J. N., 2002, Resisting Systems,” Proceedings, First fib Congress, Osaka,
“Precast Seismic Structural Systems PRESSS-3: The Five- Japan, Session 6, Seismic Design of Concrete Structures,
Story Precast Test Building V. 3-1; Wall Direction Oct., pp. 41-60.
Response,” Report No. SSRP-99/19, Department of Struc- Santana, G., 2005, “Conventional Reinforced Concrete
tural Engineering, University of California at San Diego, Walls Versus Hybrid Post-Tensioned Precast Concrete
CA, July. Walls,” Proceedings, Third International Conference,
Eberhard, M. O., and Sozen, M. A., 1993, “A Behavior- Structural Concrete in the Americas, American Concrete
Based Method to Determine Design Shear in Earthquake- Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, Nov. 2005.
Resistant Walls,” ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering, Sause, R., and Pessiki, S., 2005, “Seismic Behavior and
V. 119, No. 2, Feb., pp. 619-640. Design of Precast Concrete Walls,” PCI Convention, Palm
Hutchinson, R. L.; Rizkalla, S. H.; Lau, M.; and Heuvel, M., Springs, CA.
1993, “Horizontal Post-Tensioned Connections for Precast
Schultz, A. E., and Magana, R. A., 1996, “Seismic Behavior
Concrete Bearing Shear Walls,” PCI Journal, V. 36, No. 3,
of Connections in Precast Concrete Walls,” Mete A. Sozen
Nov.-Dec., pp. 64-76.
Symposium—A Tribute from His Students, SP-162, J. K.
Kurama, Y. C., 2002, “Hybrid Post-Tensioned Precast
Wight and M. E. Kreger, eds., American Concrete Institute,
Concrete Walls for Use in Seismic Regions,” PCI Journal,
V. 47, No. 5, Sept.-Oct., pp. 36-59. Farmington Hills, MI, pp. 273-312.
PCI Ad Hoc Committee on Precast Walls, 1997, “Design Soudki, K. A.; Rizkalla, S. H.; and LeBlanc, B., 1995a,
for Lateral Force Resistance with Precast Concrete Shear “Horizontal Connections for Precast Concrete Shear Walls
Walls,” PCI Journal, V. 42, No. 5, Sept.-Oct., pp. 44-64. Subjected to Cyclic Deformations Part 1: Mild Steel Connec-
tions,” PCI Journal, V. 40, No. 4, July-Aug., pp. 78-96.

Perez, F. J.; Pessiki, S.; and Sause, R., 2004a, “Seismic
Design of Unbonded Post-Tensioned Precast Concrete Walls Soudki; K. A.; Rizkalla, S. H.; and Daikiw, R. W., 1995b,
with Vertical Connectors,” PCI Journal, V. 49, No. 1, Jan.- “Horizontal Connections for Precast Concrete Shear Walls
Feb., pp. 58-79. Subjected to Cyclic Deformations Part 2: Prestressed
Perez, F. J.; Pessiki, S.; and Sause, R., 2004b, “Lateral Concrete,” PCI Journal, V. 40, No. 5, July-Aug., pp. 82-96.
Load Behavior of Unbonded Post-Tensioned Precast Sritharan, S.; Aaleti, S.; and Thomas, D. J., 2007, “Seismic
Concrete Walls with Vertical Joints,” PCI Journal, V. 49, Analysis and Design of Precast Concrete Jointed Wall
No. 2, Mar.-Apr., pp. 48-65. Systems,” ISU-ERI-Ames Report ERI-07404, Iowa State
Perez, F. J.; Pessiki, S.; and Sause, R., 2004c, “Experi- University, Dec.
mental and Analytical Lateral Load Response of Unbonded Stanton, J. F., and Nakaki, S. D., 2002, “Design Guidelines
Post-Tensioned Precast Concrete Walls,” ATLSS Report
for Precast Concrete Seismic Structural Systems-Unbonded
No. 04-11, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, May.
Post-Tensioned Split Walls,” PRESSS Report No. 01/03-09,
Perez, F. J.; Pessiki, S.; Sause, R.; and Lu, L-W., 2003,
UW Report SM 02-02, Department of Civil Engineering,
“Lateral Load Tests of Unbonded Post-Tensioned Precast
University of Washington, Seattle, WA, Feb., pp. 3-19.
Concrete Walls,” Large-Scale Structural Testing, SP-211,
M. A. Issa and Y. L. Mo, eds., American Concrete Institute, Thomas, D. J., 2003, “Sec. 3.4 Force-Displacement
Farmington Hills, MI, pp. 161-182. Behavior of U-Shaped Flexural Plate (UFP) Connectors, in
Post-Tensioning Institute, 2007, “Recommendations for Analysis and Validation of a Seismic Design Method
Stay-Cable Design, Testing and Installation,” fifth edition, Proposed for Precast Jointed Wall System,” MS thesis, Iowa
Phoenix, AZ, 101 pp. State University, Ames, IA.
Price, W. H., 1951, “Factors Influencing Concrete Thomas, D. J., and Sritharan, S., 2004, “An Evaluation of
Strength,” ACI JOURNAL, Proceedings, V. 47, No. 2, Feb., Seismic Design Guidelines Proposed for Precast Jointed
pp. 417-432. Wall Systems,” ISU-ERI-Ames Report ERI-04643, Depart-
Priestley, M. J. N.; Sritharan, S.; Conley, J.; and ment of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering,
Pampanin, S., 1999, “Preliminary Results and Conclusions Iowa State University, Ames, IA, June.
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As ACI begins its second century of advancing concrete knowledge, its original chartered purpose
remains “to provide a comradeship in finding the best ways to do concrete work of all kinds and in
spreading knowledge.” In keeping with this purpose, ACI supports the following activities:
· Technical committees that produce consensus reports, guides, specifications, and codes.
· Spring and fall conventions to facilitate the work of its committees.
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· Formal coordination with several international concrete related societies.
· Periodicals: the ACI Structural Journal, Materials Journal, and Concrete International.
Benefits of membership include a subscription to Concrete International and to an ACI Journal. ACI
members receive discounts of up to 40% on all ACI products and services, including documents, seminars
and convention registration fees.
As a member of ACI, you join thousands of practitioners and professionals worldwide who share

a commitment to maintain the highest industry standards for concrete technology, construction,
and practices. In addition, ACI chapters provide opportunities for interaction of professionals and
practitioners at a local level to discuss and share concrete knowledge and fellowship.
American Concrete Institute

Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Phone: +1.248.848.3700
Fax: +1.248.848.3701
www.concrete.org
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Farmington Hills, MI 48331 USA
+1.248.848.3700
www.concrete.org
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) is a leading authority and resource

worldwide for the development and distribution of consensus-based
standards and technical resources, educational programs, and certifications
for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction,
and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.
Individuals interested in the activities of ACI are encouraged to explore the

ACI website for membership opportunities, committee activities, and a wide
variety of concrete resources. As a volunteer member-driven organization,
ACI invites partnerships and welcomes all concrete professionals who wish to

be part of a respected, connected, social group that provides an opportunity
for professional growth, networking and enjoyment.
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Requirements for Design of

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American Concrete Institute

Requirements for Design of a Special Unbonded

Attila B. Beres Ronald Klemencic Stephen P. Pessiki John W. Wallace

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1.2—Scope CHAPTER 1—GENERAL

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each connected vertical boundary of each precast panel, and

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fy = specified yield strength of energy-dissipating εf = strain in energy-dissipating reinforcement at its

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Fig. R2.1—Typical UFP coupling device used in PRESSS building.

R2.2—Definitions designer needs to use reinforcement at those locations

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4.4—Concrete CHAPTER 5—STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

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5.2.2 Where required, load conditions necessitating over- 5.4—Wall characteristics

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5.5—Distribution of walls within structures

5.5.2 The redundancy factor ρr requirements of Section

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6.6—Flexural strength and drift limits

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6.7—Detailing of lowermost wall panel CHAPTER 7—DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

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7.3.2 The number of devices, ncon, in each joint between

ncon = 0.3Mn/((n – 1)Fconlw) (7-1)

where Mn is the nominal moment capacity of wall system at

7.3.3 For a UFP coupling device, Fcon equals Vscu calcu-

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Ksc = Es(tsc)3/(4.5)(π)(asc)3 (8-2)

where Es is the modulus of elasticity of steel, psi (MPa); and

Vscudsc = 2Mpsc (R8-1)

where Mpsc is the plastic moment strength of the link, and

εsc = tsc /dsc (R8-2)

where εsc is the maximum strain that can be imposed cycli-

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