Behavior of reinforced concrete frames with masonry infill walls

Abstract

This r~port provides a summary of a combined experimental and analytical research project that investigated the loss of transverse (out-of-plane) strength for un reinforced masonry infill panels as a result of in-plane cracking. Large-scale test panels were constructed and subjected to repeated and reversed horizontal forces applied parallel with their plane to a lateral drift equal to twice that at initial cracking. Then, they were subjected to monotonically increasing transverse pressures with an air bag until their ultimate strengths were developed. Selected test panels were then repaired and retested. Test specimens consisted of either clay-unit or concrete masonry infills placed in a single-bay, single-story reinforced concrete frame. Parameters of the experimental sequence were the masonry-unit type, the mortar type, and the height-to-thickness ratio of the infill panel. An analytical model was developed to predict the out-of-plane behavior and strength of masonry panels with and without previous in-plane damage. The