Title:
Reinforced Concrete Coupling Beams—Part I: Testing
Author(s):
David Naish, Andy Fry, Ron Klemencic, and John Wallace
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
110
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
1057-1066
Keywords:
confinement; constructibility; coupling beam; diagonal reinforcement; experiment
DOI:
10.14359/51686160
Date:
11/1/2013
Abstract:
An efficient structural system for tall buildings to resist earthquake loads consists of reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls connected by coupling beams. Construction of coupling beams that satisfy the strength and detailing requirements set forth in ACI 318-05 for diagonally reinforced coupling beams is cumbersome and costly; therefore, ACI 318-08 provides a new detailing option that aims to improve the constructibility while maintaining adequate strength and ductility. Eight 1/2-scale specimens were tested to compare the performance of beams constructed using new and old detailing options, to compare beams with diagonal reinforcement to beams with straight bars at higher aspect ratios, and to assess the impact of reinforced and post-tensioned (PT) slabs. Test results indicate that the new detailing approach provides equal, if not improved, behavior as compared to the alternative detailing approach and that including a slab had only a modest impact on strength, stiffness, ductility, and observed damage.