A unified design approach for plate-reinforced composite coupling beams

Abstract

Plate-reinforced composite (PRC) coupling beam is fabricated by embedding a vertical steel plate into a conventional reinforced concrete coupling beam to enhance its strength and deformability. Shear studs are welded on the surfaces of the steel plate to transfer forces between the concrete and the steel plate. Extensive experimental studies and numerical simulation have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of this new type of coupling beam in resisting high shear force and large rotational demand from large wind or seismic loading. In this paper, an original and comprehensive design procedure is proposed to aid engineers in designing this new type of beam and to ensure proper beam detailing for desirable performance. The proposed design procedure consists of four main parts, which are (1) estimation of ultimate shear capacity of beam, (2) design of RC component and steel plate, (3) shear stud arrangement in beam span, and (4) design of plate anchorage in wall piers. Using the proposed procedure, the load-carrying capacity of the PRC coupling beams which were previously tested and simulated was evaluated. The results were compared with those from non-linear finite element analyses and experimental studies for validating the design procedure. A worked example is given to illustrate the design of PRC coupling beams using the proposed procedure. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.