2nd Croatian Conference on Earthquake Engineering 2CroCEE

Experience from previous earthquakes have shown that wall structural systems experience less damage during earthquake compared to frame systems. Wall systems for functional and architectural reasons frequently have openings (windows, doors, elevators, esc.). Wall systems with regularly distributed openings represent efficient system for resisting earthquake loads. Coupling beams connecting the walls, if designed and detailed properly, increase seismic resistance of the building by distribution of inelastic deformations both vertically and in plan. Eurocode 8 introduced set of rules for design and detailing of coupled walls and coupling beams.
In order to access performance of coupled walls and beams designed in accordance with EC8, linear and nonlinear analysis of 11 story building was performed. Linear elastic modeling was done using ETABS CSI software. The walls and coupling beams were designed and detailed in accordance with the provisions of Eurocode 8, part 1. Nonlinear model and assessment of inelastic responce was conducted using Perform 3d CSI software for nonlinear analysis. The modeling of coupled walls was performed by modelling wall section with fibers. The confined constitutive relationship is used for concrete edge elements, and unconfined relationship for concrete for the rest part. The reinforcement constitutive model was defined with bi-linear curve. Coupling beams were modeled using frame elements with shear hinge elements. Deformation capacities of elements was defined in accordance with EC8 provisions. Considering that EC8 doesn’t provide provisions for deformation capacities of diagonally reinforced coupling beams, deformation capacities for these elements was defined in accordance with the provisions of ASCE 41-06 standard. Static nonlinear analysis was performed in accordance with EC8 provisions and deformation capacities of wall elements and coupling beams checked in accordance with the provisions od EC8 part 1 and part3, where applicable. Characteristic results are presented on the end of paper, with conclusions and recommendations.