Quasi-static tests of squat reinforced concrete shear walls with openings

•Six squat reinforced concrete shear walls with different openings are experimentally investigated through quasi-static testing.•Failure modes and mechanical characteristics of six squat shear walls with different openings are studied.•The effects of shear span ratio, area ratio, and the number of openings on squat reinforced concrete shear walls are disclosed.•The flexural deformation of squat shear walls with openings is investigated.