A Finite Element Model for Simulating Out-of-Plane Behavior of Masonry Infilled RC Frames

The in-plane seismic performance has been studied by many researchers all over the world, whereas few studies have been done on the out-of-plane behavior of the infilled RC frames. In this paper, a separate finite element model for simulating the out-of-plane failure mode and capacity of masonry-infilled RC frames is developed using 3-D elements with damage-plasticity material model and the surface-based contact cohesive interaction model simulating the interface between blocks. Comparison between the results of analysis and experiment indicates that the present model can successfully simulate the out-of-plane behavior of the structure.