On the in-plane properties and capacities of infilled frames

The important contribution of infill walls in the resistance of earthquake loads is documented along with a presentation of the behavior modes of the infill and the bounding frame. Equations for quantifying the in-plane stiffness, strength and deformation capacity of infills are given as well as simplified methods for predicting the in-plane failure mode of mainly solid panels. A parametric study is performed to compare these methods and check them against experimental results whenever this was possible. Based on the above material, recommendations are made for the in-plane material properties, failure modes, strength and stiffness as well as deformation characteristics of infilled frames. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.