Shear Friction Dowel Design for Concrete Diaphragms

This webinar focuses on the misconception of the design of the slab to shear wall connection, specifically how the joint rebar is required to transfer all the diaphragm force at the level in question and the shear from the upper floors. It addresses the shear friction connection from the shear wall to the foundation. Most engineers we review do not add rebar at the construction joint and use the vertical wall rebar for shear transfer (by default) and flexural resistance, which occur at the same time. They rarely perform the required design or acknowledge the two simultaneous forces. The webinar also discusses that a “dowel” must cross the construction joint. Rebar in the slab, that does not cross between the wall and slab does not provide shear friction. This is a common detailing mistake.