Work

Experimental study on seismic performance of infilled frames with improved flexible connection

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the seismic performance of infilled frames with improved flexible connections (IFC), addressing limitations of conventional flexible connections (FC) recommended by Chinese seismic design codes. In-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP) quasi-static tests were conducted on both IFC and FC infilled frames to evaluate and compare their bi-directional seismic behavior. Additional OOP tests on IFC infills were performed to establish performance levels. Finite element simulations were developed to reproduce the IP and OOP responses, and were validated against experimental hysteresis behaviors and damage patterns to explore underlying damage mechanisms further. Results demonstrate that IFC infills utilizing basalt fiber grid (BFG) tie-belts provide superior in-plane decoupling and out-of-plane stability compared to FC infills, especially for autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) masonry. Under bi-directional loading, FC infills exhibited reduced OOP capacity due to prior in-plane damage, revealing potential vulnerabilities of conventional steel reinforcement connections. The proposed IFC system effectively mitigates these vulnerabilities and achieves enhanced IP capacity objectives and OOP performance, offering a robust solution for improving the seismic resilience of infilled frame structures.

Source: Engineering Structures

DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121467

Authors: Lihong Xiong, Zhuoxin Wang

Institutions: Institute of Engineering Mechanics, China Earthquake Administration, Dalian University of Technology, State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering

Language: English

Topic: Masonry and Concrete Structural Analysis

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,620