Strength reduction factor of GFRP-reinforced shear walls

Experimental analysis of reinforced shear-wall with glass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) showed its applicability in resisting lateral loads with no strength degradation, acceptable deformation capacity and energy dissipation as illustrated in an earlier article by the authors. The observed performance of GFRP-reinforced shear walls strongly suggested the necessity of proposing design procedure for such lateral resisting member. To propose design guidelines, however, determination of the elastic and inelastic deformation and evaluation of force modification factor for GFRP-reinforced shear walls are required. Accordingly, methods for estimating the virtual yield for GFRP-reinforced shear wall and maximum allowable displacement were proposed with suggestions for appropriate definitions. The force modification factor was estimated based on the idealized curve of the tested GFRP-reinforced shear walls.