Panel shear strength of steel coupling beam–wall connections in a hybrid wall system

One of the most common types of hybrid systems is represented by a hybrid coupled shear wall consisting of steel coupling beams and reinforced concrete shear walls, known as a hybrid wall system. This paper addressed the shear strength of connection between structural steel coupling beams and reinforced concrete shear walls. No specific guidelines are available for predicting the panel shear strength of steel coupling beam–wall connections in a hybrid coupled shear wall system. The panel shear strength of steel coupling beam–wall connections in a hybrid coupled shear wall system is examined through results of an experimental research programme where three 2/3-scale specimens were tested under cyclic loading. Panel shear strength reflects enhancement achieved through mobilization of the reinforced concrete panel using face bearing plates and/or horizontal ties in the panel region of steel coupling beam–wall connections. The results and discussion presented in this paper are compared with ASCE design guidelines for RCS composite joints, which form a similar structural system. Finally, this paper provides the background for design guidelines that include a design model to calculate the panel shear strength of steel coupling beam–wall connections.