In India, reinforced concrete structures are designed and detailed as per the Indian Code IS 456 (2002). However, structures located in high seismic regions require ductile design and detailing. Provisions for the ductile detailing of monolithic reinforced concrete frame and shear wall structures are specified in IS 13920 (1993).

Reinforced concrete (RC) buildings often have vertical plate-like RC walls called Shear Walls in addition to slabs, beams and columns. These walls generally start at foundation level and are continuous throughout the building height. Their thickness can be as low as 150mm, or as high as 400mm in high rise buildings.