STEEL SHEAR WALLS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS.

Abstract

The use of steel panel construction for interior shear walls can be an economical means of strengthening an existing reinforced concrete building to resist earthquake forces. Steel shear panels for interior walls were seen as a way both to minimize hospital disruption and to allow for future expansion. Such panels, made up of a steel web plate with both vertical and horizontal stiffeners, could be built in place or prefabricated and connected in place. 4 refs.