Brad D. Weldon This dissertation describes an experimental, analytical, and design investigation on the nonlinear behavior of precast concrete coupling beams, where coupling of reinforced concrete shear walls is achieved by post-tensioning the beams and the walls together at the floor and roof levels. The new coupling system offers important advantages over conventional systems with monolithic cast-in-place beams, such as simpler detailing, reduced damage to the structure, and reduced residual

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... ateral displacements. Steel top and seat angles are used at the beam-to-wall joints to yield and provide energy dissipation. The results from eight half-scale experiments of unbonded post-tensioned precast coupling beams under reversed-cyclic lateral loading are presented. Each test specimen includes a coupling beam and the adjacent wall pier regions at a floor level. The test parameters include the post-tensioning tendon area and initial stress, initial beam concrete axial stress, angle strength, and beam depth. The results demonstrate excellent stiffness, strength, and ductility of the specimens under cyclic loading, with considerable energy dissipation concentrated in the angles. Compliance of the beams to established