Abstract
The present work concerns the numerical investigation of reinforced concrete frame buildings containing masonry infill panel under seismic loading that are widely used even in high seismicity areas. In seismic zones, these frames with masonry infill panels are generally considered as higher earthquake risk buildings. As a result there is a growing need to evaluate their level of seismic performance. The numerical modelling of infilled frames structures is a complex task, as they exhibit highly nonlinear inelastic behaviour, due to the interaction of the masonry infill panel and the surrounding frame. The available modelling approaches for masonry infill can be grouped into two principal types; Micro models and Macro models. A two dimensional model of the structure is used to carry out non-linear static analysis. Beams and columns are modelled as non-linear with lumped plasticity where the hinges are concentrated at both ends of the beams and the columns. This study is based on structures with design and detailing characteristics typical of Algerian construction model. In this regard, a non-linear pushover analysis has been conducted on three considered structures, of two, four and eight stories. Each structure is analysed as a bare frame and with two different infill configurations (totally infilled, and partially infilled). The main results that can be obtained from a pushover analysis are the capacity curves and the distribution of plastic hinges in structures. The addition of infill walls results in an increase in both the rigidity and strength of the structures. The results indicate that the presence of non-structural masonry infills can significantly modify the seismic response of reinforced concrete "frames". The initial rigidity and strength of the fully filled frame are considerably improved and the patterns of the hinges are influenced by structural elements type depending on the dynamic characteristics of the structures. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091764 Full Text: PDF
Highlights
Interior partitions and exterior masonry walls used as an infill between the beams and columns of a reinforced concrete framing are generally considered non-structural elements in design despite the experience of past earthquakes and events
The properties of the section and the loads acting on the structure are known, default hinges are assigned to the elements
The plastic hinges in the filled frames are concentrated in the lower levels of the structures, while in the bare frames the plastic hinges are distributed over the height of the structures, especially for the solid infills
Summary
Interior partitions and exterior masonry walls used as an infill between the beams and columns of a reinforced concrete framing are generally considered non-structural elements in design despite the experience of past earthquakes and events. Test results suggest that masonry infill generally exhibits an important influence on the seismic response of reinforced frame buildings. Reinforced concrete frame buildings with masonry infill panels in seismic areas are generally considered to be seismic risk buildings. It is assumed that the infill has only influence on the mass of the composite structure. This would be a good hypothesis if the frame and the infill are well separated by providing a sufficient gap between them; in practice gaps are not usually specified
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