EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON THE OUT-OF-PLANE BEHAVIOUR OF CONCRETE MASONRY INFILLED RC FRAMES

Abstract

This thesis presents results of an experimental study focusing on the out-of-plane behaviour and strength of concrete masonry infills bounded by reinforced concrete frames. A total of four specimens was tested with different parameters. One was considered as a control specimen; one was built with a window opening in the infill; and the other two had sustained damage caused by either prior in-plane or out-of-plane loading. Of two specimens with prior damage, one was first subjected to in-plane loading until occurrence of a major diagonal crack, and then tested under out-of-plane pressure to failure. The other was first subjected to out-of-plane pressure until occurrence of a major horizontal crack, and then tested under in-plane loading to failure. The specimen details, test setup, and procedure are described. The experimental results were presented and discussed. The effect of parameters as well as the effectiveness of existing analytical methods is examined.