Finite Element Modeling of Masonry-Infilled RC Frames

Abstract

Experimental and analytical studies have been carried out to investigate the performance of masonry-infilled RC frames under in-plane lateral loadings. In this paper, the experimental results are concisely summarized, and a constitutive model is presented for the modeling of masonry mortar joints and cementitious interfaces in general. A smeared-crack finite element model is used to model the behavior of concrete in the RC frames and masonry units. It is shown that the finite element models are able to simulate the failure mechanisms exhibited by infilled frames including the crushing and cracking of the concrete frames and masonry panels, and the sliding and separation of the mortar joints. The lateral strength obtained with these models are in good agreement with those obtained from the tests.