SEISMIC RESPONSE OF STEEL BEAMS COUPLING CONCRETE WALLS

Ductile coupled flexural walls are the primary seismic load resisting systems of many structures. The coupling beams of these structures mus t exhibit excellent ductility and energy-absorption ability. To achiev e better ductility and energy absorption than previously possible, the use of steel link beams with their ends embedded in the reinforced co ncrete walls is proposed. Preliminary experimental results are reporte d for two full-scale reversed cyclic-loading tests of portions of duct ile flexural walls coupled with steel link beams. The excellent perfor mance, together with the ease of construction, demonstrate the feasibi lity of this alternative form of construction. To ensure ductile respo nse, design and detailing guidelines for both the clear span and embed ded portions of the link beams and the reinforced concrete embedment r egion are presented. An assessment, based on comparisons with other st ructural systems, of this new type of construction is presented.