The collapse load for square concrete infill panels

Abstract A theoretical simulation of the tensile failure mode for concrete infill wall panels is presented. The iterative procedure is based upon an elemental idealisation of the panel and essentially it simulates cracking in the concrete by releasing nodes in the substitute structure. Series of panels, with and without cut-outs, have been analysed and the results are presented along with those obtained by experiment. The analysis therefore provides an estimate of the collapse load for a panel within the concept of limit state analysis referred to in the Draft Unified Code of Practice.