Micro and Macro-modeling Techniques for the Simulation of the Masonry Infilled R/C Frames under Earthquake Type Loading (original) (raw)

Three types of numerical simulation techniques for the masonry infills are adopted in the current paper, namely a micro-modeling technique, a macro-modeling technique and a simulation where the masonry infill and the joint interface between the surrounding frame and the infill is represented by a diagonal strut model. Initially, the hysteretic behavior of three R/C frames with masonry infills tested at the Laboratory of Strength of Materials and Structures of the University of Thessaloniki are examined when they are subjected to horizontal cyclic loads. Non-linear finite simulations are employed, that can describe the reduction of strength and initial stiffness. The inelastic behavior of the frame is simulated including the non-linear simulations of the masonry infill, the formation of plastic hinges for the R/C frame at pre-defined locations and the sliding or the separation of the masonry infill from the surrounding R/C frame. The second part of the present work examines the effec...