EFFECT OF OPENINGS ON STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF UNREINFORCED MASONRY INFILLED FRAMES. IN: LARGE-SCALE STRUCTURAL TESTING

The paper presented the effect of openings on structural performance of reinforced masonry infilled frames in terms of observed changes in strength and stiffness. A simplified empirical relationship accounted for the reduction in strength and stiffness based on the area of openings in each panel. The paper demonstrated that the same eccentric equivalent strut method in conjunction with the strength reduction factor for openings can be applied to predict the strength of perforated infill panels. Further research and experimental data is recommended to determine the appropriate deformation capacity of the strut in order to accurately predict the initial stiffness and displacement at ultimate load for infill panels with openings.