Finite Element Analysis of Infilled Frames

Design of infilled frames to resist lateral loads on buildings in terms of their failure modes, failure loads, and initial stiffnesses using procedures proposed by previous authors is verified. This verification is made by comparing the results of the analytical procedures of the previous authors with those of a new finite element model for infilled frames, which are verified using experimental results. To model the interface between the frame and the infill and the mortar joints surrounding the blocks of masonry, a nonassociated interface models is formulated using the available test data on masonry joints. The failure criteria for masonry include the von Mises criterion for the plane stress condition for uncracked masonry (assembly) and a smeared crack model. Additionally, the finite element model provided more insights into the failure mechanisms of the infilled frames.