Experimental study of reinforced concrete and hybrid coupled shear wall systems

Two approximately half-scale four-story coupled shear wall specimens were tested under both gravity and lateral displacement reversals. Specimen CW-RC, featuring traditional reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls and RC coupling beams, sustained ductile hysteretic response up to 3.00% drift. Specimen CW-S, featuring RC shear walls and steel coupling beam with low yield point steel (LYP) web, failed after completion of 2.00% drift cycles. The proposed connection detailing between the steel coupling beam and RC shear wall worked well in Specimen CW-S. Research results indicate that a ductile coupling beam design does not guarantee a ductile behavior of a coupled shear wall system. RC shear walls should be proportioned for axial and shear based on the provided coupling beam capacities. Design recommendations are provided.