Mechanical Model for Steel Frames with Discretely Connected Precast Concrete Infill Panels with Window Openings

Abstract

This paper presents a mechanical model for a structure comprising of steel frames with discretely connected precast concrete infill panels having window openings, termed semi-integral infilled frames. The discrete panel-to-frame connections are realized by structural bolts acting under compression. The mechanical model enables analysing a building structure consisting of semi-integral infilled frames by standard structural analysis methods. Input for the model are geometrical and material properties of the frame structure and the structural characteristics of three types of springs representing the frame joints, the panel-to-frame connections and the infill panel respectively. An overview of some of the research undertaken at Eindhoven University of Technology to study the behaviour of the springs representing the panel-to-frame connections is presented.Tests on individual components of the panel-to-frame connection were performed to establish load-displacement characteristics of the connection. A finite element model has been developed to investigate the structural behaviour of the components 'flanges in bending'combined with 'web in compression' by varying different parameters. The results of the research allow estimating the structural characteristics of the considered discrete panel-to-frame connection for different frame sections. © Teeuwen et al.