Abstract:Coupling beams are the key elements of plastic energy dissipation mechanisms in coupled walls.However,the design of the small span-to-depth ratio coupling beams with high ductility is still one of the problems not solved effectively in domestic and foreign seismic reinforced concrete structure design.The research group,where the authors of this paper are,brings forward a new reinforcement scheme with adding diagonal and rhombic bars to traditional reinforcement in the foundation.Test results prove that it is an effective way to solve the problems for it has good seismic performance and is easy to be constructed.This paper puts great emphasis on introducing the trial results and principal rules that are deduced from the test results of second set of specimens with low reinforcement rate.