Evaluation of infill strut properties based on in-plane cyclic tests

Abstract

In the nonlinear analysis of masonry infilled RC frame structures, simple strut models are often adopted to represent the masonry infill, particularly in the case of extensive parametric numerical studies. Therefore, a careful definition of the corresponding strut properties is of exceptional significance for achieving a realistic building response. A method for evaluation of masonry infill strut properties is proposed and applied in this paper, based on the interpretation of results obtained by cyclic in-plane testing of single-storey, single-bay bare and infilled RC frame specimens.