Seismic Behavior of a Modern Concrete Coupled Wall

Abstract

AbstractRC core walls are used commonly in modern building construction as the primary lateral load–resisting system. To meet architectural constraints, including elevator, stair, and doorway openings, common configurations include walls coupled together with heavily reinforced, low-aspect-ratio coupling beams. Numerous studies have focused on coupling beams and improved seismic performance and design of coupling beams. However, far fewer research programs have studied the seismic behavior of the coupled wall system. Coupled walls are typically used in mid- to high-rise construction, and understanding their seismic response requires simulation beyond the coupling beam and must include all important yielding components of the system. A research project was undertaken to investigate the response of a midrise coupled wall designed to meet current codes. The advanced testing capabilities of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES)...