Experimental and numerical study of PRC coupling beams with low span-to-depth ratio

Abstract Plate-reinforced composite (PRC) coupling beams are manufactured by embedding a vertical steel plate into conventionally reinforced concrete coupling beams to enhance their strength and ductility. This study presents a series of quasi-static tests conducted to examine the seismic behavior of PRC coupling beams and provide a scientific basis for the analysis of the shear bearing capacity of PRC coupling beams. The experimental results of seven PRC coupling beam specimens with low span-to-depth ratio tested under reversed cyclic loading are discussed. Particle image velocimetry technology is used to accurately measure the deformation performance of PRC coupling beams. The influence of span-to-depth ratio, sectional steel plate ratio, and the slab on the seismic behaviors of specimens were investigated. The experimental results indicate that, compared with PRC coupling beams without slab, PRC coupling beams with slab can increase horizontal cracking displacement and significantly improve the shear capacity and energy dissipation capacity of PRC coupling beams without slab. Embedded steel plates can improve the limited values of the shear compression ratio of coupling beams. Nonlinear finite element analysis was also carried out to model the PRC coupling beams. The numerical results indicate that the tension-softening property of concrete was more accurately simulated by the stress-crack width relationship of concrete. The internal force distribution of concrete stress, steel plate shear force, bending moment, and axial force of PRC coupling beams with low span-to-depth ratios were further analyzed. This study will benefit engineers designing PRC coupling beams.