Development of a detailed 3D FE model for analysis of the in-plane behaviour of masonry infilled concrete frames

This paper detailed the development of a numerical model for simulating the nonlinear behaviour of the concrete masonry infilled RC frames subjected to in-plane lateral loading. The ABAQUS finite element software was used in the modeling. Nonlinear behaviour as well as cracking and crushing of concrete and masonry blocks were simulated using the Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) model. The cohesive element method combined with hyperbolic Drucker-Prager and shear and tensile failure criteria were used to capture the possible failure mechanisms in mortar joints. Concurrent with the finite element modeling, an experimental study was also conducted and results of masonry infilled RC frame specimens incorporating infill openings and interfacial gaps were used to validate the model. The validation showed that the model can accurately simulate the behaviour and predict the strength of masonry infilled RC frames. A sensitivity study was subsequently conducted where the influence of mortar joint failure surface parameters, mortar dilatancy, and fracture energy on the lateral behaviour of infilled RC frames was investigated. Results showed that the in-plane behaviour of infilled RC frames was significantly affected by the input parameters of mortar failure surface and dilatancy and less affected by those of mortar fracture energy.