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Simplified criteria for the prediction of shear failure mechanism in low-rise RC frames with masonry infills

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Abstract

Reinforced concrete (RC) frame with masonry infills is a building typology where an RC frame is constructed first and subsequently masonry wall panels (infills) are constructed to enclose spaces within a building. Several low-rise RC frame buildings experienced shear failure in past earthquakes in India and Nepal due to inadequate size of RC frame members, poor reinforcement detailing, improper confinement of RC columns, and lack of quality workmanship. The objective of this paper is to establish a simplified criteria for predicting a failure mechanism in low-rise RC framed buildings with masonry infills. Three criteria were examined and a parametric study was performed on 36 numerical models to determine the parameters which affect the occurrence of flexural or shear failure mechanism in masonry-infilled RC frame structures. The study showed that the main factors influencing a failure mechanism are the ratio of shear capacities for RC columns corresponding to the shear and flexural failure mechanisms and the ratio of shear stiffnesses for RC columns and infilled frame. The results also showed that RC frames with a larger column longitudinal reinforcement ratio have higher chances for shear failure, given the same frame and infill dimensions and mechanical properties. The paper may be relevant for engineering professionals and researchers interested in assessing seismic safety of non-engineered low-rise RC frame buildings.

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All data and models generated or used during the study appear in the submitted manuscript.

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Acknowledgements

The first author is indebted for the financial assistance provided by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India during her M.Tech. studies at IIT Gandhinagar, India.

Funding

The financial assistance was provided by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India to the first author Ms. Rimpy Khokhar during her M.Tech. studies in civil engineering at IIT Gandhinagar, India.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, M.B.M. Engineering College, JNVU, Jodhpur, RJ, 342 001, India

    Rimpy Khokhar

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

    Svetlana Brzev

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  1. Rimpy Khokhar
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  2. Svetlana Brzev
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Correspondence to Rimpy Khokhar.

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Khokhar, R., Brzev, S. Simplified criteria for the prediction of shear failure mechanism in low-rise RC frames with masonry infills. Asian J Civ Eng 22, 1481–1498 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42107-021-00393-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42107-021-00393-w

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