Studies on the influence of infill on dynamic characteristics of reinforced concrete frames

Abstract

The basic investigation under dynamic loads starts with the estimation of the natural frequencies of the structure or system under consideration. This is an important parameter under dynamic analysis. Hence a detailed study has been carried out on the influence of masonry infill (MI) on fundamental natural frequency of RC frames. MI though considered as non-structural element largely affect the strength, stiffness and ductility of the framed structure during the application of lateral forces such as wind and earthquake loads. Experimental and Numerical studies are carried out on RC frames under different configurations of MI in addition to bare frames. The RC frames are designed and detailed as per the relevant Indian standard codes. A simple numerical method has been formulated to obtain the natural frequencies of RC frames with MI using FE analysis. Tri-axial shake table is used for the determination of natural frequencies experimentally. This is a part of the collaborative project between BARC, Mumbai and CPRI, Bangalore focusing on the Response evaluation of RC frames under dynamic loading. This paper consists of numerical formulation, FE analysis, Shake table tests and comparison of results. © 2011 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY. All rights reserved.