Title: Modelling and performance of RC frames with masonry infill under in-plane and out-of-plane loading
Abstract: Reinforced-concrete moment-resisting frames have been widely used in many parts of the world. In such buildings, exterior masonry walls and/or interior partitions, usually regarded as architectural elements, are built as an infill between the frame members, namely beams and columns. It is common practice in structural design that the interaction between the frame and infill panel is ignored. This is based on the assumption that the frame and infill panels are separated. However, the behaviour of such structures observed during past earthquakes has indicated that the actual response of the infill-frame is significantly different to that of a bare frame.
This research focuses on developing a generic three-dimensional finite-element model of reinforced-concrete frames with masonry infill using ANSYS. A thorough review of previous research on the behaviour of masonry and reinforced-concrete materials is presented. Also, a large number of prior studies related to infill-frames are critically reviewed. A specific strategy is proposed for modelling reinforced-concrete and masonry. Results from models using these strategies are verified by the available experimental results from the literature. Detailed discussions are provided on how the proposed material models are implemented in ANSYS. Advanced analysis features of ANSYS, which have been employed for the constructed models in this study, are discussed in detail. The modelling strategies for reinforced-concrete and masonry are further combined to construct a generic FE model of an infill-frame, at a micro level, for the analysis of such structures under in-plane and out-of-plane loading. Appropriate experimental data available from the literature are identified and utilised to verify the proposed FE model of infill-frames under in-plane and out-of plane loading separately. The advantages as well as limitations of the present model are discussed, and the reasons for possible discrepancies between the FE and experimental results are scrutinised. Detailed explanations are provided on how damage progresses as the level of external load increases. Based on the results of the constructed FE models, the reasons behind some of previously observed damage to infill panels are also given.
In order to successfully implement the solution phase, a simple method is proposed in order to overcome convergence issues, which are related to the solution of the highly nonlinear models using the Newton-Raphson algorithm. Given the inherent high variability of the masonry material properties, sensitivity analyses are conducted to investigate the effect of variability of the selected parameters on both in-plane and out-of-plane behaviour of infill-frames. It is shown that the constructed FE model can be employed to predict the behaviour of the infill-frame over a wide range of drift, and to interpret its response at various stages of in-plane or out-of-plane loading. This will be a useful tool for the assessment of existing buildings against the requirements of seismic retrofit/design codes in future studies.
Publication Year: 2011
Publication Date: 2011-01-01
Language: en
Type: dissertation
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Cited By Count: 11
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