Influence of masonry panels with openings on the seismic response of reinforced concrete infilled frames

Due to architectural considerations, openings are required in masonry infill panels. In this study, a pushover analysis is carried out to assess the behavior of RC infilled frames with emphasis on the effect of openings on the infills. The main parameters that will be considered concern the size, location, and aspect ratio of the openings. Three reinforced concrete structures representative of rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible structures are designed according to the Algerian seismic code. The numerical model of the structures consists of frame elements with concentrated plastic hinges at the ends and a nonlinear layered shell for the infills. The results obtained show that the presence of infills can drastically change the overall behavior of the structures by enhancing the strength capacities, but with limited ductility, and the presence of openings can modify the locations and patterns of hinges according to their size, location, and aspect ratio.