A micro–macro modelling methodology for the analysis of infilled frames

Abstract

A macro-modelling approach is proposed for representing the masonry infill walls in a non-linear analysis of infilled frame structures. The infill wall is modelled by equivalent struts. The paper presents a combination of an experimental testing method and analytical method to determine the constitutive law of the equivalent struts model. Thus, the model is based on the physical behaviour of the infill wall, rather than on empirical values that came from experimental or numerical tests of infilled frames. Upon requirement, the model can be developed to horizontal or vertical distortion of the infill wall. The strut model was incorporated in a detailed, micro non-linear two-dimensional finite element analysis and validated against reinforced concrete frames infilled by hollow concrete blocks and autoclaved aerated concrete blocks subjected to loss of supporting column scenario. The validation procedure showed that the model captures not only the stiffness and the resistance of a reinforced concrete infilled frame but also the failure mode and the pattern of cracking of the frame.