RC wall and steel side columns coupled structural system: Experimental and numerical investigations

The reinforced concrete (RC) wall coupled with steel side columns (SSC) using steel coupling beams were studied both experimentally and numerically. A 1/4 scaled 5-story test model was constructed and tested to failure under reversed lateral cyclic and constant axial loads. Test results proved that the coupling mechanism can be effectively realized in this unique coupled structural system involving only one wall pier. In order to reveal more seismic response characteristics in addition to the test results, numerical parametric studies were conducted based on the validated finite element modeling techniques. Results indicate the medium levels of axial load ratio and span-to-depth ratio of the steel coupling beam, or low level of wall aspect ratio, can lead to acceptable lateral load capacity and displacement ductility of the RC wall and SSC coupled structural system.