Title: Investigation on Effect of Transverse Reinforcement on Performance of Diagonally Reinforced Coupling Beams

Author(s): Patrick J. Fortney, Gian A. Rassati, and Bahram M. Shahrooz

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 105

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 781-788

Keywords: coupling beams; reinforcement detailing; seismic design; walls.

DOI: 10.14359/20106

Date: 11/1/2008

Abstract:
The response of coupled core wall systems is governed by the performance of their coupling beams. Moreover, coupling beam design is controlled by the post-elastic behavior of the entire coupled system. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation dealing with the effects that transverse reinforcement ratios have on the post-elastic performance of diagonally-reinforced coupling beams. Two coupled wall subassemblages, with two different transverse reinforcement detailings, were designed and tested under cyclic reversed loads. The design philosophy for both specimens is presented and discussed, and the detailing is compared with what is required by ACI 318-05. The experimental results are presented, with particular attention to the post-elastic performance of the specimens tested. Overall performance comparisons are made. It is concluded that providing a higher transverse reinforcement ratio greatly benefits ductility and hysteretic stability of diagonally-reinforced coupling beams.