Abstract：In this work，a novel coupling beam of segmental reinforced concrete，consisting of the energy dissipation (ED) segment and load bearing (LB) segment，was proposed. Based on the low-frequency cyclic loading test and finite element analysis，seismic performance of the RC coupled shear wall specimen equipped with the proposed coupling beams was investigated. The results show that the cracking and yielding of the ED segments of the coupling beams may occur earlier than those of the LB segments，and the cracks on the ED segments are more densely distributed after the tests，indicating that the ED segments play a major role in the energy dissipation，while the LB segments may always reliably provide the bearing capacity. The hysteresis curve of specimen appears to be plump and shuttle-shaped under the initial loading; as the load continues，however，it turns to the retroflected S-shape with the pinching effect. The displacement ductility of the specimens reaches about 2.4 and the maximum drift is about 1/40，implying that the specimens have good deformation capacityMoreover，as the sectional height of the ED segment increases，the energy dissipation capacity of the specimen can be improved，but the damage of the LB segment may be aggravated.
