This paper intends to investigate the shear-resistant performance of reinforced concrete masonry（RCM）short-leg shear walls under the combined action of compression

bending and shear

and the effect of the applied axial pressure on the shear capacity of the walls was studied by non-linear finite element method based on tests of 6full-scale fully grouted sample models subjected to low cyclic reversed lateral loads.It is concluded from the simulation results that there exists a positive correlation between the shear-resistant capacity of RCM short-leg shear walls and the magnitude of the applied axial load if the value of axial compression ratio is less than 0.4. However

when the axial compression ratio is from 0.4to 0.6

a negative correlation is found. The wall-ductility decreases with increase of the applied axial pressure.It is suggested that if the axial compression ratio equals 0.3

good shear-resistant performance and ductility can be achieved;thus

such value of 0.3is recommended to be adopted in codes for seismic design of buildings.