Seismic performance of RC frame buildings with masonry infill

The experience from the occurred earthquakes and performed investigations show that the effect of the infill can be different - favorable (when the structural system has low resistance) and unfavorable (short column effect, shear failure of joints, global instability of the system - "soft" storey mechanism etc.). Taking into account the fact that it is a common engineering practice to neglect the infill effect in the design of structures, it is obvious that investigations for definition of the actual seismic resistance of frame RC buildings with masonry infill are currently of a high concern. This paper deals with selected results from analytical investigations and comparison of the seismic resistance of a five-and a seven-storey RC frame structure with and without a masonry infill. The results from the analyses show that the infill essentially affects the seismic resistance of RC buildings.