Nonlinear seismic response predictions of walls coupled with steel and concrete beams

Abstract

The design and nonlinear dynamic analyses of four coupled wall prototype structures are presented. Two ductile partially coupled and two ductile coupled wall structures are considered, each having reinforced concrete and steel coupling beams. The design of each of the prototype structures was based on the provisions of the 1995 National Building Code of Canada. Nonlinear dynamic analyses of each structure, using four different scaled earthquake ground motions are presented and the results discussed. Comparisons of the responses of the structures with concrete and steel coupling beams are made, demonstrating the advantages of using steel beams to couple reinforced concrete walls.Key words: composite construction, coupled wall, diagonally reinforced concrete coupling beam, "flexure critical" steel coupling beam, seismic design, "shear critical" steel coupling beam.