Experimental investigation of influences of several parameters on seismic capacity of masonry infilled reinforced concrete frame

Abstract This study investigated the in-plane seismic capacity of three ½ scale single story reinforced concrete frames with masonry infill that were subjected to static cyclic lateral loading. Three main parameters were investigated: the strength of the surrounding reinforced concrete (RC) columns, strength of RC beams, and mortar strength of the masonry infill. These parameters were selected because there are large variations between the design codes and past research on their importance. Experimental results showed that the infill shear strength greatly increased with the surrounding frame strength. The investigated parameters did not significantly affect the initial stiffness. The specimen consisting of a masonry panel built with low-strength mortar showed relatively greater ductility and relatively less damage to the masonry infill panel and surrounding frame. Based on the results, the frame strength ratio needs to be included as a parameter in the design codes for new buildings because it can alter the shear strength of the masonry infill and ductility of the whole structure.