Four-stage Failure Mechanism of Composite Coupling Beam with External Reinforcement Plate

   Composite coupling beams with external reinforcement plate are a novel structural solution for shear walls in high-rise buildings whose failure mechanism is not described in Russian or international literature. Specimens are tested in Kucherenko Central Research Institute for Structural Construction under a technological support program of high-rise building design.

   Purpose: The aim of the work is to study the failure mechanism of the composite coupling beam based on the experimental data.

   Methodology: Testing of three specimens B3.1 (665 mm clear span, 345 mm section depth, 200 mm thickness, 4 mm steel plate, B30 concrete, M5 stud bolts and Ø6 ties on 110×110 mm grid). The analysis of 33 strain gauges, displacement transducers and camera recording.

   Research findings: A four-stage failure mechanism is identified: (I) linear-elastic stage; (II) steel yielding; (III) local buckling of the compressed plate (governing stage); (IV) concrete core failure. Pmax = 1301 kN, CV = 4.8 %, θu = 0.033 rad. The load-bearing capacity is 30–35 % higher that that of analogues with an encased steel profile.

   Practical implication: The experimental results can be used to create design models in Russian codes for high-rise buildings.

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