Research on the Connection Modes and Numerical Simulation Methods of RC Frame and Infill Wall

In the evaluation of the seismic performance of masonry-infilled RC frames, the main difficulty is determining the type of interaction between the infill and the frame, which has a major impact on the structural behavior and load-resisting mechanism. This paper addresses the connection modes of the RC frames and masonry panels in regulations in China. The method of flexible connection suggested in standard has not been widely used in actual engineering, and rigid connection was adopted in universal. The finite element model with interface element is advisable for simulating the interaction of the frames and panels, and the accuracy of the nonlinear finite-element models has been evaluated with experimental data. The comparison of the numerical and experimental results indicates that the models can successfully capture the highly nonlinear behavior of the physical specimens and accurately predict their strength and failure mechanisms.