Shaking table tests of 1 : 4 reduced-scale models of masonry infilled reinforced concrete frame buildings

Two models of masonry infilled reinforced concrete frame buildings were tes ted at the shaking table. Models were built in the reduced scale 1:4 using the materials produced in accordance to modelling demands of true replica m odelling technique. The first model represented a one-storey box-like build ing and the second one the two-stories building with plan shaped in the for m of a letter H. Models were shaken with the series of horizontal sine dwel l motions with gradually increasing amplitude. Masonry infills of tested mo dels were constructed of relatively strong bricks laid in weak mortar. Ther efore, typical cracks developed and propagated along mortar beds without cr acking of bricks or crushing of infill corners. Data collected from tests w ill be used in future evaluation, verification and development of computati onal models for prediction of in-plane and out-of-plane behaviour of masonr y infills. The responses of rested models can be well compared with global behaviour of real structures using the modelling rules. The similarity of l ocal behaviour of structural elements, e.g. reinforced concrete joints, is less reliable due to limitations in modelling of steel reinforcement proper ties. The model responses showed that buildings designed according to Euroc odes are able to sustain relatively high dynamic excitations due to a signi ficant level of structural overstrength. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & So ns, Ltd.