An Evaluation of Ductility and Detailing Requirements of Bearing Wall Buildings Using Data from the March 3, 1985, Chile Earthquake
The expected earthquake response of bearing wall buildings is investigated using data from the March 3, 1985 Chile earthquake. The study includes an examination of proportioning and detailing requirements for Chilean and U.S. bearing wall construction. Based on the requirements, minimum stiffnesses and strengths are characterized. Recorded ground motions in Vin~a del Mar, Chile and the western U.S. are analyzed and compared. Drifts and global displacement ductilities are estimated. Based on the findings related to drift and ductility, the need for concrete confinement at wall boundaries is investigated analytically. The analytical studies indicate that boundary confinement is not always necessary at wall boundaries. The performance of bearing wall buildings in the Chilean earthquake and the analytical studies conducted herein indicate that the form of construction used in Chile is a viable construction option in the United States.