Arching of Masonry Infilled Frames: Comparison of Analytical Methods

Three methods that have been developed to compute the capacity of masonry infill panels subjected to uniform out-of-plane loads are examined with respect to their performance in predicting experimental results. One method is an empirical method, whereas the other two methods are based on theoretical developments. Based on 36 experimental results reported in the literature, the empirical method provides the best estimate of the capacity both in terms of the mean ratio of experimental to analytical capacity and the coefficient of variation of the ratio of experimental to analytical capacity. Thus, it is recommended that the empirical method be the basis for evaluation of the out-of-plane uniform lateral load capacity of infills.