Seismic behaviour of connections between replaceable coupling beam and double skin composite shear wall

In order to optimize the performance of hybrid coupled wall system, a novel of connections between replaceable coupling beam (RCB) and double skin composite shear walls (DSCSWs) are proposed. The seismic design of RCB-to-DSCSW connection is very important for structural safety. This study investigates the seismic behaviour of RCB-to-DSCSW connections. Two specimens with different layout schemes of embedded rebars and one with embedded steel I-beam were subjected to reversed cyclic loading. The failure process of all the specimens was basically the same, mainly by steel faceplate local buckling, weld tensile fracturing and the concrete crushing at both ends of the joint. The strength and ductility of connections were highly affected by the weld tensile frac-turing and concrete crushing. At the current loading level or the next loading level of weld tensile fractured, the connection specimens reached its peak loading capacity, and then the concrete rapidly crushed. The ductility coefficients of all the specimens were smaller than those of RC structures. In addition, the mechanical properties of these two kinds of embedded rebar connections were similar. The steel I-beam connection exhibited higher initial stiffness. Under the same rotation of loading, the cumulative energy consumption of the steel beam was higher. Finally, according to the stress pattern of each component, the simplified mechanical model and calculation formulae of the connection bearing capacity were developed.