A macro-element model for masonry-infilled structural frames

Abstract

This paper presents a macro-element model using an equivalent multi-strut approach to analyse the non-linear response of structural frames infilled with masonry. The usability, advantages and deficiencies of this model are assessed based on experiment results as well as comparisons with previous equivalent mono-strut models. The formulas used to convert the infilled masonry into a multi-strut model are based on an analysis of the beams on a Winkler elastic foundation, in which the beams and columns are represented as ‘beams’ and the masonry infill is the ‘elastic foundation’. The analytical results for the equivalent multi-strut model show that the non-linear behaviour of the infilled frames corresponds closely to experimental results using reinforced concrete frames and autoclaved aerated concrete block masonry, and is found to be more suitable for some problems than previous equivalent mono-strut models.