The effect of flexibility in ground storey of concrete walls and infilled frames on their seismic response

Abstract

By using a previously developed numerical model of the authors for both static and dynamic analysis of plane reinforced concrete and masonry structures that can simulate their main nonlinear effects, the influence of flexibility in ground storey of concrete walls and infilled reinforced concrete frames on their behavior under earthquakes has been researched. Single three‐storey reinforced concrete walls and single three‐storey reinforced concrete frames were analyzed, each for the case of the equal rigidity through all floors and for the case with flexible ground storey. Frames with strong and weak infilled masonry were considered. Five different earthquakes were applied, that cause high structural nonlinearity. It is assumed that foundations are supported by a rigid base, with the possibility of lifting. Typical displacements, inertial forces, stresses and damage zones of the analyzed structures are presented. Finally, main conclusions and recommendations for practical application are given.