Experimental tests on links in innovative hybrid coupled shear walls

Innovative hybrid coupled shear wall (HCSW) systems as proposed within the European RFCS project INNO-HYCO are obtained coupling a RC wall with two side steel columns by means of steel links where the energy dissipation takes place. Such dissipative elements are intended to behave similarly to links of eccentric braces while the connection with the reinforced concrete wall that has to be suitably designed in order to make the links replaceable. An experimental campaign is undertaken to study the behaviour of two different kinds of connection. Cyclic tests are first carried out on configurations in which the links should undergo plasticization while the wall remains undamaged; a second set of tests is thus performed to assess the over-strengthened connection between wall and link. The experimental results will be used to calibrate theoretical models capable of capturing the dissipative behaviour of the links.