Introduction
Reinforced concrete walls are in many ways similar to columns. They support vertical loads and are vulnerable to minor axis bending. They often act as primary elements of a structure’s lateral stability systems and by doing so are subjected to high in-plane bending forces.
This Technical Guidance Note explains how reinforced concrete walls are designed to withstand these forces in accordance with Eurocode 2. It describes how the geometry of the reinforced concrete wall affects its capacity to act as a vertical support element, as well as explaining its role as a key component of a lateral stability system. This note does not cover the analysis of shear walls, as that is beyond the scope of a Level 2 Technical Guidance Note.