What does the Eurocode 6 shear wall calculator do?

The calculator checks an unreinforced masonry shear wall according to Eurocode 6 (EN 1996-1-1). It computes the design shear resistance VRd based on masonry shear strength, vertical load, wall dimensions and partial safety factors, and compares it with the applied design shear VEd. It also reports the governing failure mode (sliding or diagonal shear) and the utilisation ratio.

Which Eurocode 6 clauses does this tool follow?

The implementation is based on EN 1996-1-1 provisions for unreinforced masonry shear walls, in particular the expressions for design shear resistance VRd as a function of characteristic shear strength fvko, normal stress from vertical load, and partial safety factors. National Annexes may specify different values for parameters such as fvko, coefficients and gammaM, so you should always verify the inputs against your National Annex.

Can I use this calculator for reinforced masonry or seismic design?

No. This tool is intended for preliminary checks of unreinforced masonry shear walls under in-plane shear according to Eurocode 6. Reinforced masonry, seismic detailing, out-of-plane loads, openings, and complex load combinations are not covered. For final design you must use the full Eurocode 6 provisions, Eurocode 8 where applicable, and your National Annex, and have the design checked by a qualified structural engineer.

What safety factors are used in the Eurocode 6 shear wall check?

The calculator uses the partial safety factor for masonry material gammaM specified by the user, typically between 2.0 and 3.0 depending on the National Annex and masonry type. Actions should already be at design level (factored) when entered as VEd and NEd. The utilisation ratio is VEd / VRd, where VRd is the design shear resistance after applying gammaM.

Eurocode 6 Shear Wall Design Calculator (EN 1996-1-1)

Check an unreinforced masonry shear wall to Eurocode 6 (EN 1996-1-1) in seconds. Enter wall geometry, masonry properties and design actions to obtain the design shear resistance \(V_{Rd}\), utilisation ratio and governing failure mode.

This tool is intended for preliminary design and educational use. Always verify results against the full Eurocode text, your National Annex and local codes, and have final designs checked by a qualified structural engineer.

Eurocode 6 shear wall input

1. Wall geometry

Wall length \(l\) (m)

Wall thickness \(t\) (m)

Clear height \(h\) (m)

Partial factor for permanent actions \(\gamma_G\)

2. Masonry material (EN 1996-1-1)

Characteristic compressive strength \(f_k\) (MPa)

Characteristic shear strength at zero normal stress \(f_{vk0}\) (MPa)

Coefficient \(\alpha\) (increase with normal stress)

Partial factor for masonry \(\gamma_M\)

3. Design actions (factored)

Design vertical load \(N_{Ed}\) (kN)

Design shear force \(V_{Ed}\) (kN)

Reduction factor for cracking / workmanship \(\psi\)

Aspect ratio factor \(\beta\) (shear span / height)

Eurocode 6 shear check results

Eurocode 6 masonry shear wall design – overview

Eurocode 6 (EN 1996-1-1) provides rules for the design of masonry walls subjected to in-plane shear. For unreinforced masonry shear walls, the design shear resistance depends on:

the characteristic shear strength of masonry at zero normal stress \(f_{vk0}\),
the vertical design load \(N_{Ed}\) producing a beneficial compressive normal stress,
the wall dimensions (length \(l\), thickness \(t\), height \(h\)),
partial safety factors \(\gamma_M\) and reduction factors for cracking and workmanship.

Design shear strength of masonry

A common Eurocode 6 expression for the design shear strength of unreinforced masonry under a compressive normal stress \(\sigma_d\) is:

\( f_{vd} = \dfrac{f_{vk0} + \alpha \cdot \sigma_d}{\gamma_M} \cdot \psi \)

where:

\(f_{vk0}\) = characteristic shear strength at zero normal stress (MPa),
\(\alpha\) = coefficient accounting for increase of shear strength with normal stress,
\(\sigma_d = N_{Ed} / A\) = design normal stress (MPa) with \(A = l \cdot t\),
\(\gamma_M\) = partial safety factor for masonry material,
\(\psi\) = reduction factor for cracking, workmanship, etc. (≤ 1.0).

Design shear resistance of the wall

The design shear resistance of the wall is then obtained by multiplying the design shear strength by the effective shear area:

\( A_v = t \cdot h \) (shear area of the wall)
\( V_{Rd} = f_{vd} \cdot A_v \)

The calculator also allows you to introduce an aspect ratio factor \(\beta\) to reduce the shear resistance for slender walls if required by your National Annex or project-specific guidance.

Shear verification

The Eurocode 6 shear check is satisfied when the design shear force is not greater than the design shear resistance:

\( V_{Ed} \leq V_{Rd} \)

The utilisation ratio reported by the calculator is:

\( \text{Utilisation} = \dfrac{V_{Ed}}{V_{Rd}} \)

A utilisation < 1.0 indicates that the wall passes the shear check for the given inputs.

How to use the Eurocode 6 shear wall calculator

Define the wall geometry. Enter the clear length, thickness and clear height of the masonry wall. These determine the normal stress from vertical load and the shear area.
Enter masonry properties. Use values for \(f_k\), \(f_{vk0}\), \(\alpha\) and \(\gamma_M\) from your National Annex or manufacturer data. The tool does not assume any default National Annex.
Enter design actions. Provide the factored vertical load \(N_{Ed}\) and in-plane shear \(V_{Ed}\) from your load combinations (e.g. EN 1990 + EN 1991).
Review utilisation. Click “Calculate shear resistance” to see \(V_{Rd}\), the utilisation ratio and the governing failure mode. Adjust geometry or material parameters as needed.

Engineering notes & limitations

The implementation is tailored to unreinforced masonry walls under in-plane shear.
Out-of-plane bending, axial capacity, combined bending and shear, and second-order effects are not checked.
Openings, concentrated loads, and complex boundary conditions are not explicitly modelled.
National Annexes may modify coefficients, limits and safety factors. Always cross-check the parameters you use with the applicable Annex.

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace a full structural design to Eurocode 6 by a competent engineer.

Eurocode 6 shear wall – frequently asked questions

Can I change the partial safety factor \(\gamma_M\)?

Yes. Different National Annexes specify different values for \(\gamma_M\) depending on masonry type and execution control. Enter the value required by your Annex (commonly between 2.0 and 3.0). The calculator uses this value directly in the shear strength equation.

How should I choose \(f_{vk0}\) and \(\alpha\)?

The characteristic shear strength at zero normal stress \(f_{vk0}\) and the coefficient \(\alpha\) depend on the masonry unit type, mortar class and workmanship. Eurocode 6 and your National Annex provide tables with recommended values. Use those tabulated values or manufacturer test data rather than guessing.

Does the calculator distinguish sliding and diagonal shear?

The underlying formula accounts for the beneficial effect of compressive normal stress on shear capacity, which is relevant for both sliding and diagonal cracking. The tool reports a generic “shear” mode and highlights the utilisation. For detailed distinction between sliding along bed joints and diagonal tension cracking, consult the relevant Eurocode 6 clauses and commentary.

Is this calculator suitable for seismic design?

No. Seismic design of masonry shear walls requires additional checks and detailing rules from Eurocode 8 and national seismic codes. This tool does not implement ductility, capacity design or detailing requirements and must not be used as a stand-alone seismic design tool.