Title: Cyclic Testing of Bolted Steel Coupling Beams in Fast- Track Precast Concrete Construction

Author(s): Woo-Young Lim, Thomas H.-K. Kang, and Sung-Gul Hong

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 113

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 1289-1300

Keywords: coupled wall; cyclic test; minimum embedment length; precast concrete; shear strength; steel coupling beam

DOI: 10.14359/51689250

Date: 11/1/2016

Abstract:
In this study, a new coupling beam system is developed that consists of a wide-flange steel coupling beam, embedded steel beams, top-seat angles, embedded nuts, and high-tension bolts. The developed coupling beam system was experimentally verified using reversed cyclic tests of six half-scale specimens. Two primary variables of the test program were the length of embedded steel section and the presence of top-seat angles. All the other design variables such as shear span-depth ratio, concrete strength, and reinforcing details were the same. Test results showed that a certain length of embedded steel beams would be needed to develop the nominal shear strength and corresponding deformation of the coupling beam and that the use of top-seat angles would help mimicking the behavior of monolithically cast coupling beams with a wide-flange steel beam. Additionally, a design equation for minimum embedment length of the steel section is derived that promotes the development of the nominal shear strength of a steel coupling beam.