Effects of Different Wall Openings on the Cyclic Behavior of Aerated Concrete Block Infilled RC Frames

Abstract

In the current study, the effects of infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames with different window and door openings under cyclic loads were investigated. For this purpose, five in-filled RC frames with different infill wall openings were produced. The main parameters to evaluate overall performance of the RC frames with infill walls, the load carrying capacities, displacement ductility, stiffness degradation and energy dissipation capacities were determined using obtained results. At the end of the study, even if the opening ratios are the equal, it has been observed that the location and number of openings have a significant effect on the behavior and failure pattern of the RC frames. Also, increase in the openings ratio decreases the load carrying capacity, and energy consumption capacity. Based on these results, it is suggested that infill walls affect the structural behavior and failure pattern. Therefore, infill wall openings should be considered in the design of RC structures.