Experimental and theoretical investigation into the shear behavior of interfaces in double-faced superposed shear walls

The double-face superposed shear wall is a sandwich type of prefabricated concrete structures, which has two interfaces compared with traditional reinforced concrete shear walls. The shear performances of the interfaces is crucial for the integrity and seismic performance of the double-face superposed shear walls. However, little has been known regarding to the mechanical behavior of interfaces in the double-faced Superposed Shear Walls. This study investigates the shear behavior of double-face superposed shear wall through 27 double-face superposed shear specimens pullout tests, the effects of the configuration of interface connection reinforcement, interface connection reinforcement height and reinforcement ratio of interface connection reinforcement were analyzed. The strain distribution patterns of the interface connection reinforcement within the double composite surfaces were obtained through strategically placed strain gauges on the reinforcement. Based on the experimental results, a formula for the shear capacity of the interfaces in double-face superposed shear specimens has been developed.