Steel Coupling Beams in Low-Seismic and Wind Applications

Steel Coupling Beams in Low-Seismic and Wind Applications

This research focused on coupled core wall systems (CCW) that utilize structural rolled and/or built-up steel coupling beams used in low-seismic and wind applications. The detailing of the coupling beam along its span and within the embedded region will be evaluated, which will allow for minimal inelastic coupling beam demands during wind events.

When the beam shear demands in CCW systems 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. These are commonly used in mid- to high-rise towers. 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. There is an industry need to address this research gap in order to design using the ASCE/SEI Prestandard for Performance Based Wind Design (ASCE, 2019) which allows for modest nonlinear response of selective members.

This is a companion effort to RGA #06-19, Nonlinear Wind Design of Steel Reinforced Concrete (SRC) Coupling Beams.

• Grant Details

  Project

  Steel Coupling Beams in Low-Seismic and Wind Applications

  Grantee

  University of Cincinnati

  Category

  Performance-Based Design

  Subcategory

  Wind

  Grant #

  05-19

  Award Amount

  $201,804

  Grant Period

  October 2019 - December 2023

  Grant Status

  Complete

  Principal Investigators

  Bahram M. Sharooz, Ph.D., P.E., FACI, FASCE, FSEI and Rachel A Chicchi, Ph.D., S.E., P.E. In collaboration with Christopher J. Motter, Ph.D., P.E. and in memory of Patrick J. Fortney, Ph.D., P.E., S.E., P.Eng.

  Industry Champions

  Greg Deierlein, Stanford University; David Field, MKA; Kent Harries, U. of Pittsburgh; John Hooper, MKA; Devin Huber, AISC; Ronald Klemencic, MKA.

  CPF Allies

  ACI Foundation, AISC, MKA Foundation

• Resources / Downloads

  • 05-19 Steel Coupling Beams in Low-Seismic and Wind Applications

• Related Research

  • 04-19 Determination of Pressure Coefficients for High Rise Buildings of Different Aspect Ratios
  • 01-18 Pre-Standard for Performance-Based Design for Wind