Shake-table study on the effect of masonry infill on the seismic response of reinforced concrete frames

This paper presents results of an experimental shake-table study that examines the effects of position and stiffness of masonry infill in two-story single-bay concrete frame on its behavior under an earthquake. Six small-scale frame types were tested: bare frame (without infill) and five frames with different infill configuration. Herein, an identical reinforced concrete structure (columns, beams) was adopted for all frames. Besides self-weight load, frames were additionally loaded with the dead load at the floor levels. Afterwards, all frames were exposed to horizontal acceleration of an artificial accelerogram, with successive increase of peak ground acceleration (PGA) up to 0.8g. Characteristic displacements and accelerations of the frame, concrete and steel strains in characteristic points, as well as crack states in frame and infill were measured. The effect of the infill type on the obtained results was discussed. Finally, main conclusions of this research are given. •A distribution on an infill has a significant effect on the behavior of masonry-infilled frames.•The study encompasses shake-table tests on six small-scale frame specimens.•The effects of position and stiffness of masonry infill in two-story single-bay concrete frame were analyzed.•The frames were exposed to horizontal acceleration of an artificial accelerogram.•An adequate stiffness and bearing resistance of the infill should be included in the design model of a frame.