Stability of Shear‐Wall Structures

Abstract

A simple approximate lower bound formula is proposed for the gravity buckling loads of coupled shear‐wall structures using continuous medium assumptions. The deflected shape of the system is decomposed into those of flexural and shear‐flexure cantilevers. For the latter, an accurate approximate buckling load formula is also presented. Inserting the buckling loads of the two systems in Dunkerley's formula yields the required buckling load. The formula is compared with exact results computed by finite differences and good agreement is demonstrated.