Studies on the lateral load response of infilled RC frame by using ATENA 2D

The behaviour RC frame subjected to lateral load is greatly influence by the presence of Masonry infill(MI) with surrounding frame. In this research the structural behaviour of bare frame(BF), Infilled frame(IF), Infilled frame with Haunch at corners and Infilled frame with opening at center of the frame has been studied by using nonlinear finite element software ATENA 2D. Also captured load response curve, stiffness degradation curve, stress distribution and crack patterns. The incorporation of infill within surrounding frame significantly enhances stiffness by creating diagonal strut, thereby increasing load carrying capacity. Placing haunches to the corners of the infilled frame improves performance greatly by reducing stress concentration and delaying the beginning of damage. The diagonal load path is disturbed and frame stiffness is reduced by providing openings like doors and windows. The result highlighted that corner strengthening methods like haunch at corners greatly improve the lateral load resistance capacity to RC frame. These observations provide useful information for the seismic assessment and design of masonry-infilled RC structures in seismic zone areas.