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Thesis Defence: Seismic Performance Investigations into Diagonally-Reinforced, Steel, and Steel-Reinforced Coupling Beamsh—A Systematic Review and Numerical Study
April 4 at 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Amirhossein Amiri Gheshlaghi, supervised by Dr. Lisa Tobber, will defend their thesis titled “Seismic Performance Investigations into Diagonally-Reinforced, Steel, and Steel-Reinforced Coupling Beams: A Systematic Review and Numerical Study” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering.
An abstract for Amirhossein Amiri Gheshlaghi’s thesis is included below.
Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in person defences.
ABSTRACT
Through a two-phase study, this thesis examines the seismic performance of diagonally-reinforced,
steel, and steel-reinforced (composite) coupling beams. In phase one, a systematic review of a newly
developed database comprising 51 previously tested diagonally-reinforced coupling beams was
undertaken to investigate the effect of design considerations, such as confinement, axial restraint, and
embedded longitudinal reinforcing, on the structural performance parameters, such as maximum
shear capacity, initial stiffness, and rotational capacity of the diagonally-reinforced coupling beams.
The analysis of various experimental studies has led to new insights into the performance of
diagonal-reinforced coupling beams. One key finding shows that the rotational capacity depends on
the quantity of reinforcing steel in the coupling beam. As a result, new design recommendations have
been developed based on these findings.
The second phase consisted of a thorough literature review of existing experimental studies on steel
and composite coupling beams and the development of a new connection detail for load transfer from
the coupling beam to the wall. The mechanics underlying the innovative detailing were explained, and
practical design plots to facilitate application by engineering practitioners were provided. To further
investigate the seismic performance of this new detailing, a finite element model was developed using
DIANA FEA 10.6 and verified from experimental studies from the literature. Overall, it was found that
the structural performance of steel and composite coupling beams, such as shear force capacity,
initial stiffness, and rotational capacity, can be improved by implementing the new connection detailing.
