Experimental investigation on the ultimate strength of partially infilled and steel-braced reinforced concrete frames

Abstract

Abstract Infilled walls are normally considered as nonstructural elements. However, these walls are effective in carrying lateral loads. In this regard, an experimental investigation was planned and conducted to study the effect of braced and partially concrete-infilled, reinforced concrete (RC) frames in comparison to the bare frames. All these frames were tested up to collapse and subjected to only horizontal loads to obtain an effective and possible solution for soft story. In comparison to bare RC frames, partially infilled frames have more lateral load capacity. Central bracing is more effective than that of corner bracing. For the same load, braced and partially infilled frames deflected significantly less than that of the bare frames. Based on experimental observations, a mathematical model has been proposed to calculate theoretical ultimate load for braced and partially infilled RC frames.