Abstract
Abstract The behavior of single-storey, single-bay reinforced concrete infilled frame with masonry panel subjected to static horizontal load was studied using two structural models: i) equivalent strut model (ESM) and ii) model with two-dimensional finite elements for state stress plane (MEF). In the first model, an equivalent diagonal strut replaces masonry. The axial stiffness of this element is defined by evaluation of the equivalent diagonal width. In the second model, the infilled frame is modeling by two-dimensional finite elements, requiring the simulation of the sliding and separation between the wall surfaces and the reinforced concrete frame. Although equivalent strut models are more attractive for design, the formulas found in the literature to determine equivalent strut width provide very different values. In addition, most of these formulas ignore some parameters that may be important, such as beam flexural stiffness. For this reason, several numerical analysis were be carried out. The models simulated usual geometric and mechanical characteristics observed in reinforced concrete buildings. The results of the two-dimensional finite element modeling (by software ANSYS) were used as reference for the evaluation of the results provided by the equivalent strut model. The comparison of results allowed the assessment of the analytical expressions for evaluation of the equivalent diagonal width. Based on this assessment, a new expression is proposed for buildings with similar characteristics as analyzed in this paper. The results of numerical simulations with MEF models also allowed for an evaluation of stresses and the probable cracking pattern in infill walls.
Highlights
Masonry walls in concrete building frame structures are used as sealing elements, which must meet basic requirements for watertightness, thermal and acoustic insulation
The equivalent diagonal strut widths were obtained in two ways: i) by the analytical expressions from literature (Table 1); ii) obtained from the MDE models calibration according to the results provided by the Finite Element Method (FEM) models, in which the lateral displacement equality between the two models was the calibration criterion
This paper was focused on the modeling masonry infilled reinforced concrete frames, using equivalent strut model and two-dimensional finite elements for state stress plane with the sliding simulation and separation between reinforced concrete frame and infill masonry wall
Summary
Masonry walls in concrete building frame structures are used as sealing elements, which must meet basic requirements for watertightness, thermal and acoustic insulation. The modeling of infilled frames can be carried out by using of the Finite Element Method (FEM) in a plane stress state, which must consider the possibility of separation between the two surfaces (masonry infill wall and reinforced concrete frame) and the sliding between them The results from this modeling can serve as a basis for the calibration of the equivalent strut width or for the assessment of the analytical expressions assigned to the calculation of the equivalent strut, as demonstrated in Doudoumis [5], Alva et al [6] and Asteris et al [7]. The central objective of this paper is the assessment of the main analytical expressions found in the specialized literature to calculate the equivalent strut width (MDE) For this purpose, numerical simulations of reinforced concrete frames with clay masonry infills were carried out with 2D finite elements for stress plane state (FEM), with contact’s simulation among the masonry-frame interfaces. It is proposed a new expression applicable to buildings with geometries and mechanical properties (frame and masonry) similar to the models analyzed
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