Abstract: A steel coupling beam equipped with a friction damper in the mid span is proposed for the use in high-rise buildings. Damage is only likely to take place on the brake pad-to-steel friction interface while the other parts of the steel coupling beam are expected to remain elastic under major earthquakes. High-strength bolts and disc springs are placed in series to pressure multiple brake pad-to-steel interfaces to reduce the impact of temperature stress on the friction force. One can easily release the residual deformation after earthquake by loosening the bolts, either for damage inspection or for replacement if necessary. Cyclic loading tests on steel coupling beams with the proposed friction damper were conducted to show the reliable frictional behavior of the chosen material and superior energy dissipating capacity of the friction damper. The well-defined frictional force without much overstrength makes it easier to design the strength demand for adjacent elements and joints.