• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.817-842
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• 2014

ASCE/SEI 41-13 provides modeling parameters and numerical acceptance criteria for various types of members that are useful for evaluating the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) building structures. To accurately evaluate the global performance of a coupled wall system, it is crucial to first properly define the component behaviors (i.e., force-displacement relationships of shear walls and coupling beams). However, only a few studies have investigated on the modeling of RC coupling beams subjected to earthquake loading to date. The main objective of this study is to assess the reliability of ASCE 41-13 modeling parameters specified for RC coupling beams with various design details, based on a database compiling almost all coupling beam tests available worldwide. Several recently developed coupling beam models are also reviewed. Finally, a rational method is proposed for determining the chord yield rotation of RC coupling beams.