Seismic analysis of reinforced concrete buildings with participating masonry infills

ABSTRACT In this paper, seismic analyses are performed of a reinforced concrete frame building with participating masonry walls are carried out. The spectral method of the Brazilian code – ABNT 15421:2006 – was used to obtain the lateral seismic loads. The equivalent diagonal-strut model was employed to simulate the axial stiffness of the masonry walls in the frames, according to different formulations founded in literature. The main purpose is to evaluate the differences implemented by the different formulations for the equivalent strut on the seismic response. This paper also aims at comparing results obtained when the masonry stiffness is not considered under seismic loads. The results obtained are analyzed with the purpose of providing contributions for structural engineers in the design of framed structure buildings with participating masonry walls subjected to seismic loads.