Cyclic Behavior of Deep RC Coupling Beams with Different Reinforcement Layouts

An experimental investigation on the seismic behavior of deep reinforced concrete coupling beams was conducted by testing six large-scale coupling beams with different reinforcement layouts. The reinforcement layouts included using concealed beams similar to wall boundary elements, U-shaped steel, through-slits, diagonally embedded steel plates and diagonal rebar bundles without confining ties. Test results indicate that coupling beams with diagonal steel plates or diagonal rebar bundles without confining ties showed the most desirable deformation and energy-dissipation capacities under cyclic loading, and thus are viable alternatives for coupled wall systems in seismic zones.