New Research Grant Awards: Closing the Guidance Gaps on Coupling Beams Used in Core Wall Systems Subjected to Wind Events

When the beam shear demands in coupled core wall systems, commonly used in mid- to high-rise towers, become relatively large, the typical reinforced concrete beam is no longer adequate. It is common, in these cases, to either use a concrete-encased structural steel coupling beam or simply a steel coupling beam. The current requirements for the analysis, design, and detailing for steel and concrete encased steel coupling beams provide for high seismic applications, however, fall short in regard to applications for wind events. The driver for this research is to close the guidance gaps.

The Charles Pankow Foundation is pleased to announce two research grant awards, a collaboration of universities, material interests and the professional community.

Steel Coupling Beams in Low-Seismic and Wind Applications

RGA #05-19

Awarded to University of Cincinnati, Principal Investigator Bahram M. Sharooz, Ph.D., P.E. with Rachel Chicchi, Ph.D., S.E., P.E. and in memory of Patrick J. Fortney, Ph.D., P.E., S.E., P.Eng.


Nonlinear Wind Design of Steel Reinforced Concrete Coupling Beams RGA #06-19 Awarded to Washington State University, Principal Investigator Christopher J. Motter, Ph.D., P.E.


Industry Advisors include:

  • Viral Patel, WPM (co-lead)

  • Rafael Sabelli, WPM (co-lead)

  • Esteban Anzola, WSP

  • Greg Deierlein, Stanford

  • Mark Denavit, University of Tennessee

  • Roberto Leon, Virginia Tech

  • David Fields, MKA

  • Brad Malmsten, Thornton Tomasetti

  • John Peronto, Thornton Tomasetti

This research is made possible with co-funding support from the ACI Foundation and the American Institute of Steel Construction as well as the Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) Foundation.


Next Two Industry Leaders Join the Board of the Charles Pankow Foundation