Abstract: “In the construction of nuclear power plants using massive walls, the use of high-strength reinforcing bars for shear design is necessary, to enhance the constructability and economy. In this study, heavily reinforced walls with aspect ratio of 2.0 were tested, to investigate the shear capacity under cyclic loading. The major test parameters were the grade of shear reinforcement (Grade 550 / 420 MPa), web bar ratio (half / full of permissible maximum bar ratio. According to the direct comparison between the walls with 550 and 420 MPa bars, they had negligible difference in the failure modes, peak shear strength, and lateral stiffness. Particularly, for the walls with Grade 550 MPa bars, the safety margin predicted by ACI 349 was significant. The test result indicates that Grade 550 MPa bars can be applicable to RC walls with aspect ratio less than or equal to 2.0.”

Keywords: walls with aspect ratio of 2.0, heavily reinforced walls, high-strength reinforcement, nuclear power plant walls, shear strength,.