| Summary: In this thesis, new reinforcement arrangements are presented to improve the performance of reinforced coupling beams which determine behavior of the coupled wall systems and act as a key element in the structural systems. In addition to, replaceable Teeter-Tooter Type Coupling Beam (TETOD) is recommended for high strength, rigidity, energy dissipation and damping. For the new reinforcement arrangements, the effect of the inclination angles of the longitudinal reinforcement bar on the performance of the reinforced coupling beams is investigated with same reinforcement ratio in the section and it is aimed to improve the effectiveness of diagonal reinforcement in code requirements. Therefore, the performances of bundled diagonally and mesh reinforced concrete coupling beams were experimentally investigated. The shear forces caused by the relative displacement of the shear walls at the same floor level and relative displacements are expected to be met by bending behavior of metallic plates having high bending capacity in Teeter-Tooter Type Coupling Beam. In this purpose, an experimental set-up designed for reinforced concrete and Teeter-Tooter Type coupling beams. Conventionally reinforced concrete coupling beam, diagonally reinforced concrete coupling beam and diagonally reinforced concrete coupling beam with full confined section were chosen as reference specimens. Properties and design criteria of bundled diagonally and mesh reinforced concrete coupling beams were presented. Behavior principles, connection details and design criteria of Teeter-Tooter Type coupling beams were given in detailed. And then, fabrication stages and experimental studies of specimens in laboratory were explained. Some results obtained from experimental studies were discussed and a number of suggestions were presented. As a result of the study, it was seen that replaceable Teeter-Tooter Type Coupling Beam was an applicable structural element for high strength, rigidity, energy dissipation and damping in reinforced concrete coupled shear walls.
Key Words: Reinforced Concrete Coupled Shear Walls, Coupling Beam, Teeter-Tooter Type Coupling Beam, Bundled Diagonally Reinforced Concrete Coupling Beam, Mesh Reinforced Concrete Coupling Beam. |
