The Next Generation Of Coupling Beams

A collection of experimental, parametric, and analytical studies was carried out to further the understanding of the behavior and constructability of coupled core wall (CCW) systems. Issues related to the design of wall piers in CCW systems and the beams used to couple the wall piers, structural response of the overall system, and construction difficulties arising from reinforcing steel congestion were explored. The research presented in this document focuses on a design approach of coupled core wall systems which concentrates on minimizing steel congestion while maintaining satisfactory structural behavior. To investigate the overall structural behavior of coupled core wall systems with wall piers and coupling beams designed based on the recommendations of this research, nonlinear time-history analyses were performed on two prototype structures. Both structures had the same plan dimensions, number of stories, slab thickness, wall thickness, and floor-to-floor heights. The first structure was designed using a steel coupling beam, and the second was designed using a diagonally-reinforced concrete coupling beam. The need for special boundary elements in the wall piers was based on maximum concrete compressive strains at design loads. Properties of the coupling beams used in the analyses of the two structures were based on measured behavior obtained during the experimental phase of the research.