Designing concrete buildings in California requires deep understanding of earthquake induced lateral loads. These loads are caused by ground motions and the structural mass. The lateral forces can be supported by different types of resistive systems. In this case study, they are reinforced concrete shear walls. This research focuses on the behavior in lateral displacements during a seismic event. More specifically, this research compares two methods of measuring the ductility and its direct relationship with the response modification factor. The response modification factor is a crucial parameter used for finding the lateral seismic load. The value of this factor is entirely connected to the type of resistive system it adopts. Brief description is given on shear wall, and both ASCE/SEI 41-17 and FEMA methods of finding the R Factor (ductility). The ductility value (R factor) is a very important parameter in earthquake and structural engineering as it has become the fine line whether a structure is still standing or completely in shambles after a catastrophic natural disaster caused by earthquakes. As a result, it has become a significant part of an engineer’s work to include and fully understand the ductility necessary to use in design for the creation of buildings, bridges, dam, etc.
