Application of hybrid simulation method for seismic performance evaluation of RC coupling beams subjected to realistic boundary condition.

Summary: In a building subjected to seismic loading, large compressive force may develop in reinforced concrete (RC) coupling beams because of axial restraint imposed by the neighboring shear walls against the elongation of the coupling beams during the failure process. The axially compressive force can increase the shear stiffness and strength of the coupling beam and may change its failure mode. In this paper, a novel coupling beam testing procedure adopting hybrid simulation method is proposed in which the axial restraint is determined through hybrid simulation and the calculated axial restraint is imposed on a specimen during the test. RC coupling beams were tested by adopting both the proposed test procedure and the conventional testing approach in which the effect of the axial restraint is not accounted for. Test results depict a clear difference in the response of the coupling beam, such as shear capacity and failure mode, depending on the consideration of the axial restraint during the test. The test outcome demonstrates the usefulness and applicability of the proposed test procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]