Assessment of the in-plane nonlinear behaviour of masonry-infilled RC frames using micro-modelling approaches

Abstract

Experimental tests are considered the most realistic approach to assessing the nonlinear behaviour of masonry-infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames. Therefore, their results can be used to validate the properties of macro-models such as strut-type models, which are widely used in performance studies of masonry infilled RC frames due to their computational efficiency. However, the significant cost of experimental tests is the main barrier to their use. This paper introduces the use of detailed finite element models as an alternative to experimental tests to model the behaviour of infilled RC frames. The proposed modelling approach was developed using commercial software (ANSYS®) in order to be more easily replicated by other researchers. The comparison between numerical and experimental results shows the developed numerical models can capture the nonlinear behaviour of the physical specimens and predict their overall strength and failure mechanisms. Therefore, they can be used as an alternative to experimental tests.