Masonry infill construction and retrofit technique for the infill-frame interaction mitigation: Test results. (1st February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Preti, Marco; Bolis, Valentino
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 132(2017:Feb. 01)
• Page Start: 597
• Page End: 608
• Publication Date: 2017-02-01
• Subjects: Seismic downgrade -- Damage control -- Infill-frame interaction -- Vertical sliding joints -- Out-of-plane strength -- Sliding panels -- Masonry partitioning -- Masonry infill -- Existing infill -- Infill testing; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2016.11.053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: An innovative infill construction and retrofit technique is proposed and tested. The infill is partitioned by vertical elements connected to the frame beams. The vertical elements restrain the infill out-of-plane ensuring over-strength. A negligible infill-frame interaction is obtained in the infill in-plane response. The technique can be applied to existing infill without demolishing them. Abstract: The paper describes the set-up and testing of an innovative construction technique for masonry infill, which can provide a flexible and predictable in-plane response to the infill inside the frame, together with a stable and reliable out-of-plane response. The design strategy is to downgrade the infill reaction inside the structural frame thanks to a dramatic reduction of the masonry in-plane stiffness. The infill is partitioned by vertical planks (or equivalent beams) into sub-panels, free to relatively slide and rock on their toes. The planks connected to the beams provide the necessary out-of-plane stability. The solution was tested for application in both new and existing infills and construction details are discussed. A comparison is also presented with the performance of two infills, one continuous and one with horizontal sub-panels, previously tested under the same conditions. The observed infill downgrade makes practically negligible the infill-frame interaction and the post-earthquake masonry damage.