What is the behavior of columns and shear walls under loads?
A column has a large axial load and its shear response is similar to that of a beam, whereas a wall has a low axial load and its shear behavior is similar to that of a one-way slab. Moreover, the area and distribution of longitudinal reinforcement and shear aspect ratio can be used as a criterion to decide whether a rectangular column is designed as a column or as a shear wall.