This study investigated the behavior of double steel plate composite shear walls (SC), which are typical prototypes for nuclear shear walls. The testing program involved three 1/4 scaled SC wall specimens with different stud spacings and stiffening ribs. Cyclic loading tests were applied to those specimens to observe the failure patterns, bearing capacity and ductility performance .The result proves that the wall has strong shear strength and integrity. Setting the stiffening rib can effectively improve the bearing capacity, stiffness and ductility of the walls. Based on the experimental research, the specimens with different thicknesses of steel plate, concrete strength, axial compression and different contents of stiffener were simulated by using FEA to study the influence of these parameters on the shear strength. Finally, a formula of the shear bearing capacity of the SC wall was proposed, and this can be a guideline for nuclear containment design.