Experimental study of concrete masonry infills bounded by steel frames

Abstract

An experimental program was conducted to investigate the behavior and capacity of concrete masonry infills bounded by steel frames. Ten concrete masonry infilled steel frame specimens as well as one bare frame specimen were tested to failure under an in-plane lateral loading applied at the frame top beam level. The parameters considered in this paper included the aspect ratio, extent of grouting, opening of the infill and frame-to-infill stiffness ratio as reflected by varying the orientation of the frame column. The effect of each parameter on the failure mode, ultimate load, and stiffness of specimens is presented and discussed. Test results were then used to assess the efficacy of equations for the design of masonry infills suggested in the current design standards of both Canada and United States. The results show that the current Canadian design guidelines provide a markedly conservative design of masonry infills whereas the American design standard gives an improved estimate of infill stiffness and ...