Coupled wall system connected by coupling beams is one of several structural systems usually chosen by engineers for high seismic region. This structural system requires that seismic energy is dissipated through plastic hinges formation at coupling beams in addition to that at the base of the shear wall. This plastic mechanism allows the structure to provide better seismic performance compared to others which can be evaluated using nonlinear analysis. In evaluating the nonlinear behavior of a structural system, proper modeling of each element’s backbone curve is crucial. While backbone curve modeling of reinforced concrete elements governed by flexural behavior has been well established, back bone curve modeling for elements failed in shear is still lacking. This research extends the use of a backbone curve developed for shear critical columns based on softened strut-and-tie approach into the database of coupling beams failing in shear. The aforementioned backbone curve is then compared to that recommended by ASCE/SEI 41–17. Results indicate the softened strut-and-tie based model could reasonably predict the nonlinear behavior of coupling beams failed in shear.