Performance Evaluation of Innovative Hybrid Coupled Core Wall Systems

The paper presents an ongoing investigation of the cyclic performance of steel coupling beams in hybrid coupled core wall systems. Coupled core wall systems offer remarkable lateral strength and stiffness, and taking advantage of the favorable cyclic behavior of steel coupling beams makes the best use of all materials employed. Moreover, the inherent characteristics of the systems considered are ideal for an application of performance-based design approaches. Preliminary results are discussed from the standpoint of seismic performance, demonstrating the advantages of steel coupling beams and innovative details of coupling beams, conceived with reparability in mind, are presented. The design of a prototype structure is discussed, and a two-phase experimental campaign is described. It is anticipated that a hybrid, pseudo-dynamic analysis of the coupled core wall systems considered will show that the use of steel coupling beams in a performance-based design framework can deliver economical and safe structures with remarkable strength, stiffness, and ductility.