Relation between Shear Strength of Masonry infills and Seismic Performance of Masonry-infilled Frames

Abstract

In this study, material tests were performed on the masonry specimens constructed with bricks and mortar used in Korea. The specimens included two types of thickness(0.5B and 1.0B) and physical conditions (good and poor). It was shown that 1.0B specimens have 3.2~1.8 times larger shear strength than 0.5B specimens and shear strength of specimens in poor condition was 66%~38% of those in good condition. Average shear stress of masonry-infills was calculated from previous experimental studies, and relationships with failure mode, material strength of masonry, aspect ratio, and frame-to-infill strength ratio were investigated. In addition, the effects of masonry strength on the seismic performance of a masonry-infilled frame was studied using a simple example building. It can be seen that the obtained average shear stress were considerably higher than the default masonry shear strength recommended by the ASCE 41, and low values the strength of masonry does not guarantee conservative evaluation results due to the early shear failure of frame members.