Influence of Clay Block Masonry Properties on the Out-of-Plane Behaviour of Infilled RC Frames

Abstract

In order to determine the characteristics that govern the out-of-plane behaviour of masonry infills, two groups of wall specimens were built and tested in the laboratory. Specimens were assembled and tested as described in EN 1052-2 provisions and constitute of flexural strength for a plane of failure parallel and perpendicular to the bedjoints specimens. By obtaining data from experiments, numerical micromodels were developed to predict their mechanical behaviour. A calibration procedure undertaken and results obtained from the experimental campaign were found to be in agreement with those obtained from the numerical models. Additionally, former in-plane infilled frame numerical models were tested with acquired out-of-plane calibrated material model. No significant difference was found.

Keywords

• clay block masonry infill
• flexural test
• micromodels
• out-of-plane behaviour