NEHRP Clearinghouse

Title
Earthquake Resistant Structural Walls - Tests of Coupling Beams. Final Report.
File
PB293542.pdf
Author(s)
Barney, G. B.; Shiu, K. N.; Rabbat, B. G.; Fiorato, A. E.; Russell, H. G.
Source
National Science Foundation, Washington, DC. Applied Science and Research Applications., January 1978, 156 p.
Identifying Number(s)
PCA-R/D-SER-1583
Abstract
Eight model reinforced concrete coupling beam specimens were subjected to reversing loads representing those that would occur in beams of coupled structural walls during a severe earthquake. Effects of selected variables on hysteretic response were determined. Controlled variables included shear span-to-effective depth ratio of the beams, reinforcement details, and size of the confined concrete core. Tests indicated that hysteretic performance of beams with conventional reinforcement is limited by deterioration that results in sliding in the hinging region. Full-length diagonal reinforcement significantly improved the performance of short beams. The improvement for long-span beams was less significant. Larger concrete core size improved load retention capacity.
Keywords
Earthquake resistant structures; Beams (Supports); Reinforced concrete; Mechanical hysteresis; Coupling beams; Walls; Structural design; Earthquake engineering; Energy dissipation; Cyclic loads; Concrete construction; Dynamic structural analysis