Finite Element Modeling of Masonry-Infilled RC Frames

This paper presents the findings of a research that focused on the seismic performance of masonry-infilled, nonductile, RC frames. This research has resulted in improved analytical methods and effective retrofit techniques to assess and enhance the performance of these structures. The methods were validated by a series of quasi-static tests conducted on one-story frame specimens as well as shake-table tests conducted on two 2/3-scale, three-story, two-bay, masonry-infilled, RC frames. This paper focuses on the observations from the shake-table tests and the further insight gained from a numerical study conducted with finite element models. The first shake-table test specimen had no retrofit measures, and the second had infill walls in the first and second stories strengthened with Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) and Fiber Reinforced Polymeric (FRP) overlays, respectively. The tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the retrofit measures. Finite element models that combine smeared and discrete cracks have been used in a numerical study to examine the benefits of the ECC retrofit and the influence of the capacity of the shear dowels that connect an ECC overlay to the RC beams on structural performance. It has been shown that these shear dowels play a critical role in enhancing both the strength and ductility of a retrofitted structure.

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Research on the Connection Modes and Numerical Simulation Methods of RC Frame and Infill Wall

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.671-674.549 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 671-674 ◽

pp. 549-554

Author(s):

Huan Jin

Keyword(s):

Finite Element ◽

Nonlinear Behavior ◽

Element Model ◽

Interface Element ◽

Infill Wall ◽

Rc Frames ◽

Highly Nonlinear ◽

Rigid Connection ◽

Infilled Rc Frames ◽

Masonry Infilled Rc Frames

In the evaluation of the seismic performance of masonry-infilled RC frames, the main difficulty is determining the type of interaction between the infill and the frame, which has a major impact on the structural behavior and load-resisting mechanism. This paper addresses the connection modes of the RC frames and masonry panels in regulations in China. The method of flexible connection suggested in standard has not been widely used in actual engineering, and rigid connection was adopted in universal. The finite element model with interface element is advisable for simulating the interaction of the frames and panels, and the accuracy of the nonlinear finite-element models has been evaluated with experimental data. The comparison of the numerical and experimental results indicates that the models can successfully capture the highly nonlinear behavior of the physical specimens and accurately predict their strength and failure mechanisms.

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A Finite Element Model for Simulating Out-of-Plane Behavior of Masonry Infilled RC Frames

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.166-169.849 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 166-169 ◽

pp. 849-852 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Chang Hai Zhai ◽

Jing Chang Kong ◽

Xiao Hu Wang

Keyword(s):

Finite Element ◽

Finite Element Model ◽

Interaction Model ◽

Material Model ◽

Element Model ◽

Plane Failure ◽

Rc Frames ◽

Out Of Plane ◽

Infilled Rc Frames ◽

Masonry Infilled Rc Frames

The in-plane seismic performance has been studied by many researchers all over the world, whereas few studies have been done on the out-of-plane behavior of the infilled RC frames. In this paper, a separate finite element model for simulating the out-of-plane failure mode and capacity of masonry-infilled RC frames is developed using 3-D elements with damage-plasticity material model and the surface-based contact cohesive interaction model simulating the interface between blocks. Comparison between the results of analysis and experiment indicates that the present model can successfully simulate the out-of-plane behavior of the structure.

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Parallelized finite element modelling of unreinforced concrete masonry infills bounded by RC frames

Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering ◽

10.1139/cjce-2020-0655 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Reza Rahimi ◽

Yi Liu ◽

Gordon A. Fenton

Keyword(s):

Finite Element ◽

Parallel Computing ◽

Element Model ◽

Field Method ◽

Rc Frames ◽

Concrete Masonry ◽

Infilled Rc Frames ◽

Masonry Infilled Rc Frames ◽

Element Technique ◽

Run Speed

This paper presents the implementation of a new parallelized finite element technique for modelling the in-plane behaviour of concrete masonry infilled RC frames using the Disturbed Stress Field Method (DSFM). The new technique, referred to as the Vectorized and Parallelized Finite Element Method (VPFEM), was developed with a key feature of significantly accelerating finite element model run speed using parallel computing algorithms. In this paper, the DSFM modelling details and its implementation in the VPFEM are presented. The iterative analysis required by the DSFM was performed using parallel computing techniques to achieve acceleration using Graphical Processing Units (GPUs). A comparison with experimental results shows that the DSFM is able to accurately predict the behaviour, ultimate load, and cracking pattern of masonry infilled RC frames. The run speed acceleration achieved by the VPFEM when implemented on GPUs is demonstrated to be significant.

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