A Multiscale Study of Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls Subjected to Elevated Temperatures

Alok A. Deshpande and Andrew S. Whittaker

MCEER-20-0001 | 06/26/2020 | 226 pages

Keywords: Earthquake engineering; elevated temperature; reinforced concrete; seismic behavior; stiffness; strength; structural walls

Abstract: Loss of coolant accidents in containment structures in nuclear power plants could result in internal temperatures of up to 300°F [149°C]. This report presents results of experimental studies on the seismic behavior of low aspect ratio Reinforced Concrete (RC) walls at elevated temperatures. Four large-scale RC walls were subjected to reversed cyclic, inelastic loading after exposure to elevated temperatures of up to 450°F [232°C] in the heated and residual conditions to determine possible changes in initial stiffness and peak shear strength. Materials-level tests were performed to support the component-level testing program and a) characterize the effects of elevated temperature on the behavior of concrete of the type used to cast the walls, b) characterize the effects of elevated temperature on the behavior of mechanically damaged normal strength concrete, and c) investigate the combined effects of moisture condition and elevated temperature on the behavior of normal strength concrete. Results of the experimental studies are used to make recommendations for analysis, design and assessment of low aspect ratio RC walls in nuclear power plants.