Nonlinear Performance of Coupling Beams Under Wind Loads

Understanding the behavior of structural elements subjected to extreme wind loading is key to the advancement of Performance-Based Wind Design. This project will compare the computational research by Dr. Seymour at the University of Michigan with physical test specimens, and will provide experimental testing of concrete link beams with non-seismic detailing when exposed to a large number of mildly-inelastic load cycles. The load cycles, intended to simulate coupling beam response under hurricane loads or other extreme winds, are developed based on wind tunnel test data. Additionally, the research will explore alternative loading protocols and potential design enhancements that improve the post-elastic behavior of non-seismically detailed coupling beams.

“Structures subjected to seismic demands have long been permitted to yield under extreme loads, which provides reliable energy dissipation while simultaneously resulting in economical building designs. The same is not true for wind design, which has historically been limited to the realm of linear elastic design. This research will provide test data (for example, nonlinear backbone curves and cyclic modeling parameters, similar to those used in seismic design), which will be used by practicing structural engineers who wish to perform nonlinear wind analysis for tall concrete coupled shear wall buildings, especially those occurring in high wind environments.” — Prof. John Wallace