Seismic performance assessment of masonry infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures

Effect of masonry infill panels on the performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures under seismic loading is widely recognized. However they are considered nonstructural elements and are generally ignored in the design due to the lack of information on the complex and unpredictable behaviour of masonry infills during a seismic event. This paper addresses this need. The time history analyses have been performed on masonry infilled RC frame structures and influence of variation of number of bays, number of storeys, percentage opening in the infill wall, location of the opening, type of openings, number of openings, infill strength, outer frame strength and infill thickness on the performance of masonry infilled RC frames have been investigated. Seismic performance of the structures have been assessed in terms of global performance parameters of maximum roof displacement, Structural period and Base shear and local performance parameters of interstorey drift ratios, maximum infill stresses and structural member forces. The results of the study will help to understand the complex behaviour of the masonry infills for different variations and will also provide useful information to improve and economize the design of masonry infilled RC frame structures.