Cyclic behavior of the R/C frames with reinforced masonry infills

This study focuses on the experimental works to define the behavior of the reinforced concrete (R/C) frame model with the strengthening of the brick masonry infill by using the embedded reinforcement bars subjected to lateral reversed cyclic loads. A previous study by applying the lateral monotonic static loads showed that the embedded reinforcement bars increased the lateral capacity of the R/C frame and also delayed the failure of the brick masonry infill and R/C frame structure as well. However, in order to define its seismic capacity, a lateral reversed cyclic loading is required. The experimental works in this study were conducted by preparing and testing the 1/4 scaled-down R/C frame specimens represented the first story of the middle multi-story commonly constructed in the earthquake-prone area such as West Sumatera, Indonesia. The R/C frame specimens were two R/C frames with brick masonry infills where one of them strengthened by the embedded reinforced bars. All specimens were tested for applying the lateral reversed cyclic loads. The applied lateral load, the lateral displacement, the progressive cracks, and the failure mode of the specimens were observed and recorded during experimental works. As it was expected, the presence of the embedded reinforced bars in the brick masonry infills increases the seismic capacity and stiffness of the R/C specimens and also delayed the failure of the specimens. The experimental results in this study imply the simple strengthening method for the brick masonry infills.