Seismic performance of monolithic shear walls with disjointed steel bars in the northern Shaanxi

In response to the challenges of prolonged construction cycles, high costs, and environmental degradation associated with coal-pressed village reconstruction projects in northern Shaanxi mining areas, this study proposes an innovative precast shear wall system featuring non-connected vertical distributed reinforcement and cast-in-place boundary elements (SGBL system). The proposed system employs prefabricated wall panels with non-connected reinforcement joints using grouting technology, integrated with cast-in-place boundary elements, thereby effectively reducing construction duration and minimizing ecological impact. To evaluate its seismic performance, five scaled specimens with low shear-span ratios were designed and analyzed through refined ABAQUS finite element models under cyclic loading. Key parameters influencing failure modes were systematically investigated. The findings reveal that: Specimens transition from flexural-shear failure to shear-dominated failure as the shear-span ratio decreases; Increased shear-span ratio reduces load-bearing capacity while enhancing structural ductility; Wall thickness variations exhibit limited impact on performance, whereas openings reduce load capacity but improve ductility; Effective composite action between precast panels and cast-in-place boundary elements with intact vertical connections demonstrates superior seismic performance. These research outcomes provide theoretical foundations and technical support for implementing this advanced structural system in urban-rural residential constructions within coal mining regions of northern Shaanxi.