Development and Utilization of a Database of Infilled Frame Experiments for Numerical Modeling

Abstract

Reliable analytical and empirical models of the force-deformation parameters used to characterize the nonlinear behavior of masonry panels are essential to simulating the seismic response of infilled reinforced concrete and steel frame systems. This paper presents the development of empirical equations to predict the backbone curve parameters of infill panels modeled using equivalent struts. For this purpose, a database of 264 infilled frame experiments is assembled from the existing literature. The experimental data from a subset of 113 specimens is used to calibrate the force-deformation parameters of the infill equivalent struts. Using the results from multivariate regression analyses, empirical equations are proposed for the backbone curve parameters that define the axial response of the infill struts. Discussions and recommendations for the cyclic degradation and pinching effect parameters are also presented.