Seismic performance of deficient masonry infill reinforced-concrete structures

Literature from previous years of research studies reveals that the effect of masonry infills is significant and cannot be neglected. This study is aimed at the seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry infilled reinforced-concrete frame structures in developing countries, taking Pakistan as a case study. Typical two-dimensional reinforced-concrete frames with and without infill panels, and with infill openings are considered. A three-strut model is employed for analytical modelling of infill panels. Compressive strength of a typical Pakistani brick masonry prism is evaluated for modelling the equivalent strut. It is concluded that the study’s masonry infilled structural configurations give better performance than bare frame structures. Openings in masonry panels, however, increase the seismic vulnerability of infilled structures.