Influence of coupling ratio on seismic behavior of hybrid coupled partially encased composite wall system.

Summary: Partially encased composite (PEC) members are novel composite members that efficiently exploit the advantages of mechanical properties of concrete and steel. However, the application of PEC members is limited to low‐ and mid‐rise buildings. To overcome this limitation, a study was conducted to assess the seismic performance of a newly proposed steel–concrete hybrid coupled wall consisting of PEC wall piers coupled by means of steel beams. Parametric analysis was conducted to investigate the elastic coupling ratio (CRelastic) and the way of changing CRelastic on the seismic behavior of the hybrid coupled PEC wall. The results showed that the CRelastic was the main parameter that affected the seismic performance of the wall. The way of changing CRelastic had little influence on the trend of the energy dissipation capacity and strength reservation of the wall. The failure mode and the development of plastic hinges of the wall were also not affected by the way of changing CRelastic. Both too large and too small CRelastic were detrimental to the seismic performance of the wall. To form an ideal plastic hinge development mode and experience good seismic performance, it is suggested that the reasonable range of CRelastic for the wall was 60%–70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]