In this paper, a total of five structural insulated panel shear walls (SIPSW), in which with plywood facing and polystyrene foam board core, were tested under low cyclic horizontal loading. For the test specimens, different wall depth-width ratio and the opening sizes have been considered. The failure modes, failure mechanics, bearing capacity, lateral stiffness and ductility are discussed in detail. The test results showed that the hysteretic curve of SIPSW shows a reversed S-shape. Also the depth-to-width ratio and the opening dimensions of the shear walls have significant effects on load bearing capacity, ductility and elastic stiffness. What’s more, the performance of the SIPSW specimens was controlled by the fastener slip behavior of the SIP-to-spline connection, especially along the bottom spline. Finally, it is indicated that SIPSW have a good satisfaction upon seismic performance when used to timber structures.
