Numerical Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Coupling Beams Subjected to Monotonic loading
Volume Title: ICASGE2025
Paper ID : 1058-ICASGE-FULL (R1)
Authors
1Structural Analysis, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta , Egypt
2Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University
Abstract
Coupled shear walls are critical for lateral resistance in modern tall buildings subjected to wind and seismic loads. These systems rely on coupling beams to connect wall segments, and their performance impacts overall structural integrity during earthquakes. The design philosophy aims to utilize these beams as fuse elements, strategically yielding to dissipate energy before the walls themselves are failed. This "weak link" approach safeguards the primary load-bearing elements, preventing catastrophic failure.
Modern structural engineering relies heavily on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to provide detailed simulations and comprehensive insights into the complex behavior of structures. This research focuses the power of FEA to explore the structural response of reinforced concrete coupling beams to resist lateral forces. A detailed FEA model, complete with material properties and constitutive laws, was comprehensively developed for this study. This model was then precisely validated against experimental data to accurately predict the load-deflection characteristics and cracking patterns exhibited by coupling beams under monotonic loading. The FEA results successfully captured the key features of the experimentally observed behavior, including the characteristic diagonal cracking indicative of shear-dominated failure. Particularly, the FEA predictions for initial stiffness and the overall load-deflection curve demonstrated strong correlation with experimental measurements. Consequently, this validated FEA model offers a valuable tool for gaining deeper insights into the behavior of reinforced concrete coupling beams. It provides a solid foundation for preliminary design explorations and facilitates comprehensive parametric studies, showcasing the transformative potential of FEA to enhance our understanding and design practices for these critical structural elements.
Modern structural engineering relies heavily on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to provide detailed simulations and comprehensive insights into the complex behavior of structures. This research focuses the power of FEA to explore the structural response of reinforced concrete coupling beams to resist lateral forces. A detailed FEA model, complete with material properties and constitutive laws, was comprehensively developed for this study. This model was then precisely validated against experimental data to accurately predict the load-deflection characteristics and cracking patterns exhibited by coupling beams under monotonic loading. The FEA results successfully captured the key features of the experimentally observed behavior, including the characteristic diagonal cracking indicative of shear-dominated failure. Particularly, the FEA predictions for initial stiffness and the overall load-deflection curve demonstrated strong correlation with experimental measurements. Consequently, this validated FEA model offers a valuable tool for gaining deeper insights into the behavior of reinforced concrete coupling beams. It provides a solid foundation for preliminary design explorations and facilitates comprehensive parametric studies, showcasing the transformative potential of FEA to enhance our understanding and design practices for these critical structural elements.
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