Experimental Study of RC Frames with Window and Door Openings Under Cyclic Loading

This paper aims to experimentally investigate the effect of different types of openings on the cyclic response of masonry infilled reinforced concrete frames. Six 2/3-scale square specimens, consisting of bare frame, fully infilled walls, and walls with door or window openings arranged with hollow clay bricks were tested under quasi-static lateral cyclic loading up to large drifts. The experimental responses were analyzed in terms of strength, stiffness, ductility, energy dissipation, equivalent damping and damage mechanisms and compared against those observed in the reference bare frame and fully infilled frame. Results indicated that the typology of the openings significantly alter the resisting mechanisms, although without substantial modification to the lateral resistance capacity. Furthermore, the limit state thresholds were shown to be achieved at substantially different inter-storey drifts, suggesting differing damage metrics.