Evaluation of Coupling Beams Behavior Concrete Shear Wall with Rectangular and Octagonal Openings

Abstract

Reinforced concrete coupled walls are cantilevered shear walls joined by coupling beams and are used in high-rise apartment for many years. Rectangular openings are the most common shape of openings used in shear wall in order to provide doors, windows, entrance to car park areas and elevators or staircases. Behavior of coupling beams affect the strength of coupled walls. This research suggests adding haunches to the corners of rectangular openings and form octagonal openings as a method to increase the strength of coupling beams. The experimental results of shear wall with single band of rectangular and octagonal openings are compared in terms of behavior of coupling beams under cyclic load. The results demonstrate that the coupling beams in shear wall with octagonal openings are stronger than coupling beams in shear wall with rectangular openings.