Modelling reinforced concrete coupling beams designed for low-to-moderate seismic regions

Reinforced concrete (RC) coupling beams are often used to transfer and resist the earthquake loads. Coupling beams can improve significantly the stiffness and the strength of the all lateral resistant structure. By performing inelastically they decrease the energy dissipation required by the walls piers granted a better seismic performance. Because of their importance, some experimental and modelling research has been conducted focusing on these important elements. While their behaviour is known to be different from that of conventional beams, in low-to–moderate seismic regions, such as Australia, coupling beams are often designed as an “ordinary beam” with standard longitudinal reinforcements and stirrups. This incorrect procedure may be potentially dangerous and lead to a premature and brittle failure in the event of an earthquake. A finite element modelling approach, which also considers the non-linear behaviour of the beam, is investigated, with the aim of obtaining a realistic and useful model for future research projects and new design procedures. This research presents the preliminary investigations for using finite element modelling to predict the response of coupling beams with ordinary detailing designed for low-to-moderate seismic regions. Some guidelines regarding the use and setting of different parameters of the model are given. A modelling for coupling beams designed for low-to-moderate seismic regions is proposed and compared with experimental model for validation.