Ductility Reduction Factors for Masonry-Infilled Reinforced Concrete Frames

Masonry-infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames are popular structural systems; however, there is much uncertainty in their response under seismic loads. Using the data from past experimental studies, a simple force-deformation model with three control points was developed. The effect of the model parameters on the ductility reduction factor (DRF) and ductility demand (DD) was examined. Statistical tests indicated that the ratio of residual strength to peak strength was the most significant parameter. The traditional approach to determining DRF ordinates through iteration for an assumed value of ductility may result in inappropriate DRF values because of the nonmonotonic relationship between DRF and DD. Constant ductility charts were developed to appropriately account for nonmonotonicity. It was found that the allowable DRF may be much higher if relatively weaker infill compared to the strength of the frame is used, which underscores the need for modifying code provisions because they allow relatively strong infill.