Behavior and design of reinforced concrete, steel, and steel-concrete coupling beams

Abstract

The efficiency of coupled wall systems to resist lateral loads is well known. In order for the desired behavior of the coupled wall system to be attained, the coupling beams must be sufficiently strong and stiff. The coupling beams, however, must also yield before the wall piers, behave in a ductile manner, and exhibit significant energy-absorbing characteristics. This paper reviews the current state of the art for the design of conventional reinforced concrete, diagonally reinforced concrete, steel, and composite steel-concrete coupling beams. Although not exhaustive, critical aspects of the design of these systems are presented.